Singapore leaders thank Tharman Shanmugaratnam for his contributions to country

Singapore leaders thanked senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Thursday for his contributions to the country after he told Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong he wanted to run for the presidency.

Tharman, 66, will retire from politics and all his positions in government, as well as from the People's Action Party.

He will step down on July 7 after meeting his immediate official commitments in Singapore and globally and ensuring that arrangements are in place for the constituents of Jurong GRC, where he is a Member of Parliament.

In his letter to Mr Tharman, Lee listed the senior minister's career achievements, including serving as a chairperson of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Over two decades, you have had key Cabinet appointments, including the Minister for Education, Minister for Finance, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Economic and Social Policies. Most recently, as a senior minister, you have helped me to mentor and groom the next generation of ministers, Lee said.

Mr Tharman has worked hard to create a more inclusive society and has done much to promote the growth and resilience of Singapore's economy, he said.

You have done a good job in the Cabinet and the Party and I am very happy to welcome your departure. We will miss your leadership, insightful views, and wise counsel, Mr. Lee said.