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SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam promised that he wouldn’t be “on the identical crew” because the Authorities if he’s elected as President, this morning (11 June). Talking on the opening of ActiveSG Sport Village @ Jurong City, he added that he would like a contest for the president seat as an alternative of clinching the job unopposed.
Whereas Mr Tharman is likely one of the most revered politicians and plenty of have welcomed his presidential aspirations, others have questioned how impartial he actually will be as head of state given the 22 lengthy years he has spent as a Folks’s Motion Celebration (PAP) politician.
When requested for his feedback on the difficulty of independence, Mr Tharman mentioned that he’s centered on his Authorities duties and can speak about this later, as he isn’t in marketing campaign mode now. He added,
“However those that know me, know me fairly properly. They know who I actually am and my views. So I’ll speak about that later. I actually don’t wish to get into what seems to be a marketing campaign messaging at this level,” he mentioned.
Utilizing a soccer analogy, Mr Tharman additionally mentioned that he will likely be like a referee if he’s elected, in comparison with the “defender” function he performs as Cupboard member now:
“On soccer, I’m not on the identical crew because the Authorities as soon as I’m president. Be very clear about that…All I meant is that my forged of thoughts all alongside has been that I like being a defence. However I’m not in the identical crew.”
As for whether or not his candidacy will deter different candidates, given how well-liked he’s, Mr Tharman instructed the press: “Now we have to see who comes up. However I actually a lot choose a contest. Having a contest is vital for me. I a lot moderately win or lose with the competition. My complete method is to not shrink back from competitors, it has all the time been that method. It’s how I show myself.”
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