Speaking to the media from the office of his social media agency where he and his supporters were gathered for the results, Mr Ng, the former chief investment officer of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, said he had decided to throw his hat into the ring for the presidency to ensure that the people of Singapore have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
“I think I have accomplished that goal because the presidential election did take place today.”
Another reason for him to step forward was to give Mr Tharman a contest, he said, adding that he is “very glad” that the former Senior Minister has “earned a mandate” from the people of Singapore.
On whether he had expected Mr Tharman to lead the vote count by a huge margin, Mr Ng replied that the former politician has a “formidable political record”.
“So, 70 per cent is not far from what he achieved in Jurong, and to be able to do it at the national level, I think it’s even more laudable.”
