Popular appeal of Tharman signals culture of meritocracy

In the report “Tharman ‘categorically’ rules himself out as next PM” (Sept 29), Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam expressed with such certainty his disinterest in the premiership.

He has struck a chord with Singaporeans during his political career and has impressed many with his wisdom, clarity of thought, humility and composure. His interviews at the 45th St Gallen Symposium and SG50+ Conference were testaments to his wit.

In the 2011 General Election, his team’s result of 66.96 per cent in Jurong was second in vote share only to the 69.33 per cent of the Prime Minister’s team in Ang Mo Kio, among the group representation constituencies.

Last year, Mr Tharman’s team had the highest vote share, 79.29 per cent, while the PM’s team had 78.64 per cent.

Such a strong election showing is indicative of his popularity among Singaporeans.

Perhaps what is most disheartening is that Mr Tharman’s statement on leadership succession comes against a backdrop of discourse on the Elected Presidency.

Standing before us is a respected political leader from a minority race, with the calibre many regard as suitable for the highest executive appointment in our Government.

For him to be prime minister would be more significant and symbolic than a minority candidate being president.

It is a pity that he has stated his intent otherwise.

But the popular appeal for him to take the office demonstrates our culture of meritocracy. Perhaps Singaporeans have matured beyond the need for a state-sanctioned policy on minority candidacy.

Perhaps more policy space should be liberated for Singaporeans to be our own judge on whether race really influences success.