Singapore: Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an Indian-origin senior minister of Singapore announced his intention to run in the city-state's presidential election later this year, stepping aside from active politics after 22 years. Tharman, 66, also said he intends to resign from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) which has been running the prosperous city-state since the 1960s. He also informed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of his decision to retire from politics and all his positions in the government and contest in the presidential election that must be held by September 13.
Tharman was first elected Member of Parliament in 2001, in Jurong Group Representation Constituencies (Jurong GRC) which allows candidates from the minorities to join a group led by members from the city state's predominantly Chinese origin population.
"I plan to do so a month from now, on July 7, 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," Channel News Asia quoted Tharman from a letter he wrote to the Prime Minister.
He will also step down as chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), deputy chairman of GIC, chairman of the Economic Development Board's International Advisory Council and other responsibilities he has been undertaking in his ministerial capacity.
Tharman said he has been "humbled" by the requests he has received in recent months from Singaporeans who want to see him stand in the presidential election. "It has been a difficult decision," he said in his letter. "I have consulted my family, and given careful thought to how I can best serve the country in the years ahead." In his letter to Tharman, Prime Minister Lee said he understands the decision to run for President.
"It is in keeping with the spirit of public service and sense of duty that you have shown all these years," Prime Minister Lee wrote.