SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam publicly announced today (8 June) his intention to run for the presidency of Singapore in the upcoming election, which is scheduled to be held by September 13.

In a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr Tharman revealed his decision to retire from politics, resign from the People’s Action Party, and step down from his various government positions. He said:

“I plan to do so a month from now, on Jul 7, 2023, so that I can first fulfil my immediate official commitments in Singapore and internationally, and ensure that arrangements are fully in place for constituents of Jurong GRC to be well-served for the rest of the electoral term.”

The 66-year-old expressed his gratitude for the requests he has received from Singaporeans urging him to stand in the Presidential Election, particularly if President Halimah Yacob decided against seeking a second term. He added that it had been a difficult decision and that he had consulted his family before coming to a conclusion.