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.
The sample count shows former Senior Minister Tharman far ahead in the race with 70 per cent, while former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian is third with 14 per cent.
Counting is still in progress and the election result could be different from the sample count, said the Elections Department.
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.”
Throughout his campaign, Mr Ng has reiterated his lack of political affiliation to political parties and stressed the message that it is time for Singapore to have a non-partisan President.
He does not think that the results indicated that Singaporeans have rejected that notion, adding that the principle of non-partisanship has now entered the public sphere.