“I Cherish My Freedom Too Much,” Says Former Foreign Minister
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, George Yeo, has announced he will not participate in Singapore’s upcoming presidential election, expected in 2023. President Halimah Yacob’s six-year term, which began in September 2017, will come to an end, marking the election as an open contest.
Singapore’s presidential elections are open to candidates of all racial backgrounds, though a provision introduced in 2016 reserves the presidency for underrepresented communities if none from that group has held the office in the last five terms.
Yeo: “Freedom Means More to Me”
In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao about his book, George Yeo: Musings, Yeo dismissed any suggestion of a presidential bid. Asked whether the book’s release might indicate political ambitions, he firmly stated that the presidency does not appeal to him.
The book, co-authored with Woon Tai Ho, explores diverse subjects and will be available at major bookstores from September 2022. Yeo explained that his semi-retired life allows him the freedom to explore ideas, even controversial ones, without the constraints of public office.
“I’ve considered this thoroughly,” Yeo shared. “Being president requires discipline in speech and behaviour. I enjoy my independence too much to take on a role that would limit it.”
Pressed on whether he might reconsider, particularly in the event of a walkover election, Yeo remained steadfast, expressing confidence in the availability of qualified candidates.
President Halimah Yacob’s unopposed win in 2017 made history as Singapore’s first reserved presidential election. However, Yeo is firm in his decision to remain on the sidelines, valuing personal liberty over political responsibility.
