Politics

Tharman Shanmugaratnam Wants To Run For President Of S’pore, Will Resign From PAP & Government

Tharman Shanmugaratnam Intends To Run For President In Upcoming Election

Leading up to President Halimah Yacob’s end of term, Singaporeans are beginning to wonder who will take her place. Now, we might have a clearer idea of who one possible candidate could be — Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Source: Lim Li Hsien on Facebook

In a surprise announcement today (8 June), the Member of Parliament (MP) for Jurong GRC declared his intention to run in the election happening soon.

To even be in the running, he’ll have to leave the People’s Action Party (PAP) and step down from his role as Senior Minister (SM).

Mr Tharman will reportedly be doing so in due time.

Tharman declares intention to run for President

Mr Tharman informed Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong of his intention to retire from politics in an official letter which he sent on Thursday (8 June).

With that, he will also be retiring from all his positions in Government.

One of the requirements for the presidency is that the candidate cannot be a member of a political party at the time of nomination.

Therefore, Mr Tharman will be resigning from the PAP come 7 July. He will also be relinquishing his Government positions on the same day.

In a reply letter, PM Lee accepted Mr Tharman’s resignation and thanked him for his service to the country.

Will ensure affairs are in order for Jurong GRC

Having served as MP for Jurong GRC since 2001, Mr Tharman’s departure will surely leave a significant hole in the committee.

 

Nonetheless, he promises to ensure that constituents will be in good hands as he makes the necessary arrangements.

Currently an SM, he will have to give up the role ahead of the presidential election. Mr Tharman will also be relieving himself of his duties as:

  • Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
  • Deputy Chairman of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC)
  • Chairman of the Economic Development Board’s International Advisory Council
  • other responsibilities in a Ministerial capacity

Prior to the above, he also served as Singapore’s Education Minister, Finance Minister, and Deputy PM.

Previously ruled himself out as PM

Mr Tharman had previously ruled himself out for PM, so this latest development may come as a surprise to some.

However, we’re sure many will be looking forward to what he can offer and promise citizens in his campaign.

Having rallied much support from his constituents over the years as well as the general public, we’re sure he’ll be a candidate to look out for in the election.

What are your thoughts on Mr Tharman’s candidacy? Share them in the comments.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Prime Minister’s Office Singapore.

Fayyadhah Zainalabiden

Fayyadhah spends most of her free time wondering why there's nothing fun to do and wastes the rest of her time on Netflix.

Recent Posts

2 community cats die after being hit by cars in Marine Terrace, caregivers seeking footage

The driver who hit one of the cats purportedly denied doing so behaved angrily.

23 Nov 2024, 1:33 am

‘Tiger Candy’ contains erectile dysfunction medicine, may cause painful & exceedingly long erections: SFA

It has been marketed online as a candy that helps with male sexual enhancement.

23 Nov 2024, 12:11 am

Pop Mart pursuing legal action over unauthorised use of Labubu images by certain brands

"POP MART does not have any official licensed partners in Singapore," it said.

22 Nov 2024, 11:25 pm

Heavy rain on 22 Nov causes flash floods in Yishun & Potong Pasir, 127.7mm recorded in northern S’pore

51% of Singapore's average monthly rainfall in November fell in northern Singapore over less than…

22 Nov 2024, 10:27 pm

Pilot treats passengers to pizzas after emergency landing causes hours-long delay in the US

He made sure all the passengers were served before taking a slice for himself.

22 Nov 2024, 6:32 pm

Woman in China grows ‘trident’ flesh on fingernail, apparently due to improper & frequent manicures

The doctor recommended a 2-week gap between manicures to allow nails to recover.

22 Nov 2024, 6:08 pm