Dr Tony Tan: If I am elected President…

Dr Tony Tan

Dr Tony Tan


Former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam announced today his intention to contest Singapore Presidential Election 2011. Dr Tan has quit the People’s Action Party.

His resignation from the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) and the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) will take effect from 1 July 2011.

In a statement to Mediacorp, GIC said that Dr Tan is working with GIC Management to decide on his successors or changes to the various internal GIC appointments he holds.

Appended below is Dr Tony Tan’s speech transcript from the press conference:

This presidential election is an important one.

The past few years have seen unprecedented changes in the global financial system and world politics. Many institutions revealed their weaknesses. There is much work to be done, internationally and nationally.  

I believe that the next President of Singapore may have to make very significant decisions that will affect the security and well‐being of all Singaporeans.

Five years ago, I stepped down from politics after serving 27 years as a Minister and Member of Parliament.

I am presently very comfortable with my status as a private citizen. In Singapore, I am fully engaged with my duties and responsibilities at GIC, SPH, and the National Research Foundation. Outside of Singapore, I serve on the boards of several private and educational organisations.  

So why would I risk all this — stimulating and interesting work and a legacy built up over three decades, to embark on an independent, possibly risky, bid for the presidency.

The answer is simple. How could I not run? How could I remain a spectator while Singapore faces such complex challenges? How could I not step forward when I know I have more to contribute to the country we all worked to build?

I remain convinced that Singapore’s best days lie ahead of us. The years ahead will be challenging, but exciting. In the midst of so much change, we need a President with experience and a steady hand.

And so, after much reflection, I have decided to announce my candidacy for the office of President, to serve Singapore and Singaporeans once again. If I am granted the Certificate of Eligibility, I will contest as an independent candidate. I have resigned from the PAP.

There is no legal requirement for me to resign from GIC or SPH. However, to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest, I have decided to resign from GIC with effect from the first of July. I will also resign from SPH with effect from the first of July so as to remove any doubts about SPH’s media’s independence.

As regards my non‐executive position in NRF and other Boards, I will take leave of absence to distance myself from their daily operations and to concentrate on the Election Campaign.

If I am elected President, I will be fair and independent. I will work in partnership with the Government, all political parties, and civil society to safeguard and advance the future of all Singaporeans.

As I said, Singapore’s best days lie ahead of us. If we remain united, and respond with creativity and energy to the challenges ahead of us, our country will continue to progress and thrive. Together we can build a better and more fulfilling future for all Singaporeans.