“Tharman Shanmugaratnam: Potentially the 4th PAP Minister and 3rd DPM to Become President”

SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s decision to run in the 2023 presidential election has sparked anticipation and excitement, but it also raises concerns about the connection between the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and the independent role of the President. If elected, Mr. Tharman could become the fourth former PAP minister and the third Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) to hold the presidency among the five directly elected presidents since Ong Teng Cheong.

Mr. Ong, who previously served as Minister for Labour and Minister for Communications, became Singapore’s first directly elected president in 1993 after resigning from politics. His presidency marked a significant shift from parliamentary appointments to popular votes.

His successor, S.R. Nathan, was a prominent civil servant rather than a politician. After leaving civil service in 1982, he became Executive Chairman of the Straits Times Press, a role that was criticized for perceived government interference in press freedom. Mr. Nathan was later elected unopposed in 1999 after two candidates were deemed ineligible, becoming the longest-serving president in Singapore’s history.

In 2011, Tony Tan, another former PAP minister and ex-DPM, won the presidency in a competitive election. Reflecting on his time in office, Mr. Tan noted memorable moments like witnessing Singapore’s first Olympic gold medal win, which led to discussions about the president’s role possibly becoming a “retirement job” due to its limited authority.

The most contentious presidential election occurred when Halimah Yacob, an ex-PAP MP, became president unopposed after two candidates failed to meet eligibility criteria in an election reserved for Malays. Her candidacy was seen as closely aligned with the PAP, a sentiment further fueled by Minister Chan Chun Sing’s premature reference to her as “Madam President” in Parliament prior to her announcement.

With Mr. Tharman stepping aside to run, he will vacate his position at Jurong GRC, similar to how Mdm Halimah left her constituency. His candidacy raises critical questions about the independence of the presidency, particularly given his longstanding ties to the PAP.

While the presidency is meant to be a non-partisan role representing national unity, it also carries certain custodial powers, such as the authority to veto government expenditures and key appointments. These provisions aim to protect Singapore’s reserves and ensure the integrity of public office. As the upcoming election approaches, the implications of Mr. Tharman’s background on the presidency’s independence will continue to be a focal point of discussion.