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Why President？ Tharman Self, Party or State?

 Why President？Tharman

Self, Party or State?


Up to now, it is still not clear why Tharman wants to stand for president.

He said in his letter to PM Lee that he wanted to be above politics and this was the best he could serve Singapore.


On the surface, Tharman is for the state. He wants to continue the Singapore story.  He wants to unite the people. He also knows Singaporeans now have different, diverse views and face a turbulent world.   


Can a president act as an agent for change? Not in Singapore.  Even to unify people and harmonise different views, not to mention the turbulent world challenges, all these are government jobs.  This is why people comment ‘da cai xiao yong’, a lost talent not in good use.


A president cannot change economic, social, defence policies. Not like other hopefuls, he never talks about affordable housing, hardship, cost of living.  Perhaps, he knows these are topics PM Lee is going to touch on during the coming National Day Rally.


He is also a selfless man with an independent mind.  His coming forward cannot be for himself, a ceremonial role still needs sacrifices.


Not for state, not for self.  It looks like he is for the party.  George Yeo said he was asked to stand against Tan Cheng Bock to prevent a non-PAP man becoming president.  Tharman is just doing a party duty to help the PAP.  


In a chicanery, while an unfounded analogy, it may be the best way to get rid of a talent.   In Chinese and western history, there is no short of chicanery, either in comedy or tragedy or both.


Other hopefuls:

Tan Kin Lian: No walkover, independent voice

George Goh: planning for 7 years, independent choice

Ng Kok Song: Lee Kuan Yew factor and Tharman asks for it.

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