Tharman Shanmugaratnam CONFRONTS His PAP Past? |

Is Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam OVERQUALIFIED for the Presidential role? Will his past PAP affiliations come back to haunt him? What's so great about Jurong??
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Cast:
• Johnathan Chua / johnathanchua
• Daniel Lim / danlim11
• Denise Oh / ohthedenise
Behind the Cam:
• Nashrul Merza
• Daren Khek
• Amirul Nashtrie
• Jared Alex Tan
Edited by:
Denise Oh

[@jarrod2276]

We need a president who is charismatic, speak well and can think on his feet when he meets other global leaders. He must represent Singapore on the global level. I can't think of anyone more suitable than this chap.

[@ylin4721]

“Too many of our kids grew up feeling they are nobodies” instant tear up nevermind that I’m in public

[@KalecgosMagic]

Maybe I was living under a rock, but I nv knew that he made such important changes in our education system. And he even opened North light & pathlight. These are huge policy changes that made a real positive impact on the daily lives of Singaporeans. Kudos to u, Mr Tharman

[@eudorac91]

Yes. Its true! When I was a kid (I'm not that old lol) it's like, PSLE is like better grades, better/more schools to choose from lo. Bad means less schools to choose lo. REALLY bad means ... dunno, retake PSLE? U like sports/music ... choose as your CCA lor. Get into sch team, I guess? Strangely (or incidentally), I remember phases of my sch life by the education minister HAHA. Like, Pri sch - Teo Chee Hean Secondary sch - Tharman JC - Ng Eng Hen NIE/teaching - Heng Swee Keat So anyway, along came Mr Tharman in 2003/4, and ... [off the top of my head, I can't remember in order hahah + mebbe more I can't recall] >> DSA >> Pathlight >> Northlight >> Sports School >> SOTA [this was so popular I think some of the pioneer batches backtracked a year to apply, cus they only initially took lower sec] ^ I didn't personally benefit/apply for any of this but I remember being quite wowed. Before these, life in sch was really good grades lor. The better your grades the more power to you ... that's all 😂 He's also Thar-man who decided no CCA on Saturdays (for good or for bad, I actually didn't mind CCA on Saturday, more chill HAHAHA). I think it was also him that decided to do away with big end-of-term exams, and do bite-sized assessment instead? That one, great in theory but damn stressful HAHA. I remember like suddenly Sec 2 every week got damn test, sometimes two. simisai 😂 I sound like such a biased fangirl (inclined to support him, though for other reasons) but it's sometimes difficult to see the contributions of a minister unless it affects personally you (same for NS/housing/road tax, what have you), just happens that everyone experiences going to sch - and people of my time (😂) have seen the impact of Mr Tharman's time in the Education ministry, like - the contrast between the then and now. (-:

[@cancanjaker1620]

@@eudorac91I am way after your time, but I guess the bite-sized tests are not for me. Big end of year exams means I only need to study once, bite-sized I got to study every week. But then and again, that is the purpose that studying should not be last minute.

[@IZTheOne]

People will think of him as the safe choice but seriously he is our safest choice for Singapore.

[@SuperBeeean]

omg tharman himself on the show?!?? my favourite politician regardless of political party. he’s just so well spoken and affable. love him

[@user-mb9vt8oj7z]

The choice is so obvious. Mr Tharman will be a genuine, compassionate and wise president

[@BenjaminWee-fp1md]

Tharman A man well respected globally. A man with great knowledge and wisdom. A man that has a heart for the people with many amazing stories of his care and help A man. My President 🙏🏻

[@johnlim1678]

Globally? You got mixed up? Its LKY .

[@allie_t4418]

Wa I think this video saved Tharman’s performance at the presidential forum leh. Gave him a chance to elaborate on how exactly he contributed to SG with more examples and less fluff. And also his stand on being “party” affiliated, by explaining how it’s a positive thing and how he doesn’t play party politics etc and explaining the process of policy making. I daresay it might be the best episode out of all TDK presidential series. 🤭

[@johnlim1678]

Say and do is another thing. I cannot feel MR. Tharman sincerity besides advocator for CECAsians? 💙💙💙

[@eudorac91]

Omg I also think he didn't shine as bright as his head @ presidential forum 🙃😂🤪

[@fuifoong9966]

I am happy Mr Tharman is running for President!

[@jennylim1558]

Mr Tharman is the clear choice. He's well spoken, a deep thinker and a true gentleman with a calm disposition. Can't ask for a better person to be our next president!

[@rz9018]

He was the DPM. Lol ofc his tongue is silver!

[@meiltoo]

I think my very least criteria is for our president to be able to stand on the world stage, someone we can feel proud of that represents the best of Singapore.

[@harjunashah2715]

humour is the highest form of intelligence. i think he proved that today

[@silin2888]

Finally, someone read the JD of the role that they had applied for.

[@cancanjaker1620]

Actually the only one who is serious to take up the job. The other two is just here for the running.

[@eudorac91]

Right? This is my fave and its not just the person. It's like even within his speeches across diff platforms, *THIS* is the one where he really sells his track record, like shows past experience and proven KPI /successful projects and how these will carry into the new position. Great questions/follow up, this was absolutely the best "job interview" haha. As the "interviewer" selecting my "candidate", I'm def sold 🔥

[@jefrichan]

A thinker and a gentleman, and an activist at that. He should be our next president.

[@whirlingcurvish]

My support goes to Tharman. This was great. He speaks well, has a wealth of experience and very interested in helping people.

[@yyqxj7450]

i think what makes tharman different is his strong dedication and desire to supporting and working on ground initiatives to actually improve singaporeans’ lives. i’ve heard many accounts of taman jurong residents and just how tharman has helped them, and i can see why taman jurong is so supportive of him. i guess the biggest and perhaps the only somewhat valid argument his opponents have against him is his past affliation with PAP. But personally I feel that Tharman has a mind of his own and I can feel his conviction and desire to “add substance” to the role of president instead of just being a “yes man” for ceremonial purposes. I’m more willing to pick someone who has a long history of actually doing things to help and impact singaporeans’ lives, and can be the best representation of our country, strengthen our international standings, instead of choosing the ones that are supposedly independent candidates just for that sake.

[@jeems2066]

His extensive knowledge of the reserves means no one in the govt and i mean NO ONE, can bullshit him or smoke him if the party or any party needs to dig in to the reserves.

[@shyrory]

Someone who can string together proper sentences. Finally.

[@jeems2066]

Sad how that's become a point of differentiation these days hahaha

[@lala-rj5di]

Intelligent, forward thinking, independent mind, strong international presence, experience working with politics/polices. I would hope to hear more of what he contributed. He deserve all the credits being out now as an individual. Even a glimpse of what he highlighted was awesome and to be proud of. This president election should be based on individual presence on their strengths and how they can contribute as a individual. Most of us work for a employer. Most of us just happen to enter where we are.it's not really a matter of choice or smth that could be changed. Should not be the reason as a roadblocker/distractor.

[@s.7980]

Mr President Elect, thank you for being who you are. Singapore is blessed.

[@Germaine4254]

thank you jon for asking solid and thought-provoking questions that allows us viewers to hear what we won't hear anywhere else from Mr. T himself!

[@dn8102]

tharman brought up a good point, cause in this day and age it’s more important than ever for singapore to strengthen our international standings and relations, and he is definitely one of the best people we can find to do that. apart from being an good speaker he’s also really sincere and affable so i could really listen to him talk on and on without getting bored or smth.

[@jollyjolly5633]

He is an eloquent speaker we will hear more of his speech.

[@lamerlamer12]

People that says he is too good for the role…. Come on guys. Is like promoting the weakest member on the team and not supporting the star member because he/she can plays a better role in their current position. That is so demoralising. If you are in this situation, you still want to work hard? With a proven track record mr Tharman has, it already proves to everyone how qualified he is. On the international stage, we will be so damm proud that such a solid person is representing our country. It’s a vote, please vote considering how it will affect our image and relationship with other countries.

[@eudorac91]

THANK YOU TDK this solidified my vote - questions were fab, loved the discussion, really allowed the candidate to showcase his portfolio and KPI. If the people of Singapore were the employers/interviewers, I was definitely sold by this podcast episode ahaha 🎉

[@amylau6689]

Excellent,l will vote for Mr. Tharman as our Singapore next President. God bless you always 🙏🙏🫶✌️♥️🫰🤟👍🧧🌹💐🤜🤛🥰🍍🍍🍍🍍

[@kristenchia4826]

Tharman gets my vote. He is humble, knowledgeable, eloquent, respectful and most importantly he is able to represent Singapore at international level given his vast amount of experience he gathered while he was a minister.

[@CapDingo1975]

Out of all 3 interviews, 1. Tharman, 2. NKS. Forget about the 3rd one. This guy is gonna make Singaporeans proud on an international stage. And I'm not necessarily a PAP voter, its whats best for the country.

[@muaykee2987]

This episode is really, really a candid to the psyche of Mr. Tharman and his approaches to Presidential vocation. It definitely sways my choice in voting for him.

[@eudorac91]

YASSSS 🎉🔥🎉🔥🎉🔥

[@cleffa3000]

Oh wow. I didn't know I was part of it too.Being able to take O level Math as Normal Academic in Secondary 4 was a privilege.

[@seanwilson9520]

I so agree, I would want a President & wife that can represent how we are to other countries around the world. Atleast on how they speak and think.

[@cancanjaker1620]

President and First Lady

[@user-xh4zd6bf9m]

With him singapore can attract more investment. Further relationships with other countries. Better president

[@VanessaQuake]

It was a great question to ask what he has achieved in the past. I did not know what he did as Minister of Education.

[@eudorac91]

He was brilliant!!

[@tan_opinion]

I am not a PAP or a anti PAP😅 people here. Time to time I do and dont agree with govt policy or decision they made. Tbh after watching all episodes of interviewing candidates my vote is to tharman. Well done sir ! NKS did impressed me with some part but tharman really did win my heart more. For TKL is totally out of my choice sorry to say that :)

[@Kalimatullah_Yoh1-1.14]

yeah TKL is the weakest one among the 3

[@jaslina6113]

I feel the same word for word.

[@CapDingo1975]

@@Kalimatullah_Yoh1-1.14 TKL shouldn't even be on the list.

[@ellusion1985]

​@@Kalimatullah_Yoh1-1.14not just weakest...but crazy

[@coach.jaytee]

Don’t know if this will get seen by TDK or Mr Tharman, but I always wondered why financial literacy is not a compulsory subject in schools?

[@flickyamom]

YES

[@jeems2066]

I'd say it could be due to the current syllabus which may already be heavy in terms of content. Next is, financial literacy may be difficult for children to appreciate since they don't get involved in the world of income, expenses and taxes etc, so it's best developing their broad based academic knowledge at a young age rather than financial literacy. When young I think they just need to know the very basics, the basics of which are alright if taught similarly to how sex education is taught.

[@1MW9]

because if financial literacy were taught in schools, no one will be working past age of 40 to keep singapore companies and MNCs afloat here, as well as no one will be available to make the rich richer

[@itsthursdayblues]

Eh its taught in CCE what

[@jessiengg]

Agreed!!!!!!!!

[@JP-ee7qq]

Thoroughly enjoyed this session with Mr Tharman. He is one of my favourite ministers. 😍

[@johnlim1678]

Yes, What did he do for Singaporeans? Name 10 things?

[@sian1of2]

@@johnlim1678What did the other 2 do for Singaporeans? Name 5 things.

[@eudorac91]

​@@sian1of2@johnlim1678 Haha Tharman's 5 things just in education (maybe more I can't recall) Northlight Pathlight SOTA Sports School DSA ... all in one portfolio of 5-6 years!

[@simchiewoon8255]

U got my vote sir mr tharman I hope singaporean will vote for you

[@arcencielc2065]

The one and only presidential candidate who deserves to be the President of Singapore.🌟🤩

[@johnlim1678]

Yes, TKL !!! 💙💙

[@hzg8943]

So well-spoken, yet personable. Glad to be represented by President Tharman! ♥

[@YY-os4eu]

I like NKS but Tharman is a cut above. NKS is losing me recently with his diatribes. I wont even bother talking about TKL.

[@PPslayer429]

Finally an interview with Mr Tharman, iv been waiting for so long!

[@aanchaallllllll]

0:54: 🏑 Mr. Tam shares his background in sports and activism, and explains why he decided to run for president. 5:04: 🗣 X discusses the importance of developing disadvantaged groups and his plans to support voluntary groups nationally. 9:27: 🗣 The speaker discusses their relationship with a friend and their decision not to run for Prime Minister. 14:27: ✨ X believes in giving confidence to those who start from behind, addressing climate change, and deepening respect for all backgrounds. 19:28: 📚 The speaker discusses their career in the Ministry of Education and the reforms they implemented to create a more flexible and inclusive education system in Singapore. 24:28: 🗣 The presidency is not a political contest, but a contest between individuals who have to serve in a capacity that is well above politics. 29:56: 🗣 The candidate believes that their experience serving on the ground and making changes in people's lives sets them apart from other candidates. They also highlight their international leadership role and deep knowledge of reserves. Recap by Tammy AI

[@terence3908]

Would be the greatest unjust for all Singaporeans if Mr Tharman didn’t become president.

[@Stephen16141st]

Tharman is da Man for the Top Job..... Salute to Mr. Tharman ❤

[@NazeerKhan7677]

My votes 🗳 for you...All the best & Gd luck Sir..

[@janjan-janny]

finally my president's podcast

[@xzuiq76]

Finally! that the positive vibes from tharman and NKS

[@awequayzngs1780]

Mr.T : It is all about Singapore 🇸🇬. LKY: All my life is about Singapore 🇸🇬.

[@annotosententia1604]

Thank you for this episode exuding positive vibes by a logical, calm and collected gentleman. Mr T is totally deserving as he fits the presidential role to a T (pun intended). Five stars and the bonus crescent for his past track record and to all his “hidden talents”.

[@yenchu6660]

I vote Mr Tharman for sure . God bless you and your family 🙏

[@Veronicatanlyann]

Tharman is brilliant as a policy maker... he'll be better in the capacity as a minister, shaping policies..

[@kumhong]

I really want to vote non PAP candidate give them a chance, BUT my mind asking me this very importance question. Did they really care for the country and the people if so WHY I have not heard of them contribute any thing to the society or helping the people in need for all this years. 😮😮😮😮 When come to election for PRESIDENT . They suddenly appear from nowhere ,😢😢😢 where they have been all these years 😭😭😭.

[@TofiYee]

Keep it up daily ketchup! Thoroughly enjoyed your three episodes of the presidential candidates. It gave insights into the ‘faces’ of these candidates whom we dont see from regular mainstream media. They were less en guard and presented their relaxed and perhaps usual self. Kudos to your channel!

[@yut576]

Definitely Presidential material despite what he is and where he used be from. Hope SGaporean sees on polling day. External commentors know how good he is.

[@kohyangchi4307]

Being Recognized As Good Internationally , Does Not Automatically Equate To Being An Ideal President For Singapore 🗣️💨🍍

[@fairworld2522]

Tharman is the best of the best for Singapore president

[@yongchenseng4739]

His Mr President . Congratulations sir

[@montanatan2572]

Great session! Thank you.

[@juRa6077]

Definitely my president❤. 🙏🙏🙏

[@kheenguankoh9483]

You have done SINGAPORE good.

[@weshz2429]

Support this man❤🎉

[@tangina5172]

Well said, Tharman. Glad that I seen this

[@Kalimatullah_Yoh1-1.14]

Tharman has good track record and is intellectual. Had he not been with the PAP, no one would make noise. The main issue is partisanship. ever since NKS keep on saying non-partisan, that word got stuck in my mind. Guess he still will win the contest this time. 6 years to serve, he would be 72 by then. Alot of things can and will happen within that timeframe internationally. Anything happen internationally affects things domestically. So a president with exceptional international standing is needed.

[@eudorac91]

Aiya + also he can do 2 terms and not even be 80 sia. 72 and then 78. He shld just go4itttt sia.

[@jqxx2538]

kind of ironic because his time with PAP is both considered a strength of his but also the biggest (and perhaps the only valid and strong) argument his opponents have against him. regardless, he’s still the most qualified man and in fact one of the best we can find to represent our country.

[@chambersr4697]

he is clearly the brain wat more... is he wasting his time in singapore? am sure IMF will invite him , president is the least we cld do for him, keep his brain with us ,

[@cancanjaker1620]

You must have known they already did.

[@Lala_lalacllll]

Such a breath of fresh air to hear him talk after the last video

[@eunice1273]

Where’s the summary episode huhu I’m waiting 🥺 My fav channel!!!!!

[@arjunsasangan9342]

great episode dan seemed like he was fanboying a lil. but it was nice to hear his thoughts on the questions

[@junweileong1911]

What a great episode and great series! Good luck to all presidential candidates on Friday and happy holidays to everyone out there!

[@jesselynliau9639]

Thank you for this episode. Thank you for inviting Mr Tharman. It was an enjoyable episode. Subscribed and liked.

[@rebeccatan8285]

Thank you for bringing all the candidates on! Best series and really allowed every candidate to speak their mind fully. Very well crafted and executed, good job Daily Ketchup Podcast team! 🎉

[@samanthalovette]

feels like this is the only intelligent conversation amongst the 3.

[@cunyou2012]

“Serve singaporean especially those who have less and less chances in life” hits hard

[@hanism1]

Mr Tharman. You the Man!

[@yogawithchips4583]

Just from this series, you can hear who has the most passion for helping & uniting Singaporeans. I truly don't hear this passion in the other 2 candidates.

[@sglatitude]

21:00, great strategy as not all students are strong in language especially mother tongue language. Some kid are brilliant in math and science but barely can pass in mother tongue language and vice versa. After all, just teach children that are good in certain subject otherwise, it’s pity to force children to excel in subject they are weak.

[@BQS1234]

Hard to not vote for him after this episode

[@eudorac91]

I'm only at 21mins out of 30+ and I'm sold ALREADY. But also yes, I was a teenager in the time of him in Education Ministry and watched all these changes unfold ... 🎉

[@user-np7he1hm4x]

❤😘❤The ONE & ONLY❤️😘❤️

[@juliatan3625]

Tharman is suitable and hope he will be able to protect what Lee Kuan Yew has built up.

[@ailengchiang1059]

Singaporeans will destroy what LKY has buit up if they do not vote Tharman.

[@hiroyukishinichi9873]

Tharman 🍍is the only people President amongst the three, 20 years on the ground helping, listening to Singaporean residents, especially less privileged. NKS and TKL did none of that, only last minute then pretend to be on the ground😂 For our and our kids future👉🍍🍍🍍🗳✍️

[@ailengchiang1059]

So true.

[@geraldinerodrigues3145]

Calm & humble vibe in jurong 👌 the food in hawker centre is 👌 thats the truth 🙏🏽

[@johnlim1678]

What did he do to make people's live better? Just speehes?

[@eszeezee6967]

​@@johnlim1678eh you're not tired ah. Go rest lah. You're everywhere. TKL pay you how much ah?

[@mingjinlim430]

@@johnlim1678 there is a reason why he is so loved in taman jurong lol you dont get love for nothing

[@dollieeelim2717]

Young People Voters - Who is the President Influencer Best Represent Singapore Brand Internationally! Chop ❌🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍

[@zehahaha603]

If Mr Tharman were to play an RPG, he would be by default a Support Role as he has purported; probably would win MVP too. On a more serious note, glad that he pointed out on the knowledge & experience relevance in regards to reserves management rather than investment

[@shirleytam2248]

GOG BLESS THARMAN

[@serene9239]

v good interview! ❤

[@junechiangkuanoi7121]

Singapore need a President to strengthen our international standings and relations with the whole world and Tharman has the international standard and a welcome face to all world leaders...so Friday my vote goes to him.... lucky he appear on The Daily Ketchup Podcast that cement my opinion and choice ..... sorry NKS

[@azizahmohdtaib1845]

You have my vote...

[@space4495]

May Tharman be the 9th President of Singapore. Ong Lai🍍 Majulah Singapura🇸🇬.

[@tonyquek6157]

Thanks guys for a job well done.

[@winniehuang3923]

Saluate to you Mr Tharman! I cannot understand when people said they don’t trust PAP to check PAP… Why do people just label and generalised? TKL’s supporters said that he is direct and straightforward. Who has a strong mind who has a weak mind? Who has a pretentious way of saying I withdraw my comment but actually I don’t believe vs someone who does what he says and shown us the results of his strong ability to make positive influence and delivered real results!

[@robingng]

So strategic move by the team! Hope your program will Huat! Good luck!

[@raysubhash]

Welcome Mr.President,Istana awaits you!.

[@kkcheah090766]

Since “K” and “L” is next to each other on the keyboard, it is quite common to mistype my name to Leong. I am not offended by this. Typo. Human error. Finger too fat. There was once when my CCC Chair forwarded an email to Kim Leong and me (as Kok Leong) and cc to Mr Tharman. Within 5 mins, Mr Tharman sent an email “Typo - Mr Goh meant Kok Keong”

[@montanatan2572]

Thank you for asking THE question upfront.

[@kazama600]

Tharman really echos the whole phrase of 'noblesse oblige' . It's a shame that we have to choose between him and ng kok song.

[@laylaminrir]

Its encouraging to see more candidates like this. Even if they dont win they can still work towards the goal in a smaller scale.

[@eudorac91]

I didn't know our bro introduced workfare! (I know folks who have benefited, and friends who benefit now after the age cap decreased) I mean like I said, I just know him as Education Minister when I was in secondary sch - then he said "we introduced Workfare" and in my head I went "... simi. wait a minute!?", so I checked and realised it was a Dec 2007 thing. Then I was like "wth this doesn't check out" so I checked wikipedia (ahem 😂😅🤪), looks like our man had overlapping dual roles for a bit and was, indeed, doing work as Education Minister and Finance Minister in Dec 2007 (!!) I'M SOLD LA. 🔥

[@theadventurer1602]

I am voting for Tharman. 👍👍

[@johnlim1678]

Vote him for? Importing more CECAsian?

[@eternalarizon]

@@johnlim1678 what has that got to do with presidency? that shows how much you know what being a president actually does.

[@pengseng4633]

​@@johnlim1678👍👍👍

[@andyhoo5358]

I wonder if he thought of using a picture of Orh Nee before the Pineapple.

[@laylaminrir]

ONG LAI!! 🍍 🍍 🍍

[@keepgoing335]

Among all the candidates' wives, TS' wife looks the part of First Lady the most. Her husband isn't too bad too.

[@ailengchiang1059]

My President for sure.

[@weiyitan6035]

SOLID LAAAA!!!!

[@belovedthread]

Very convincing