Mr Tharman also gave his thoughts about the election campaigning as it draws to an end slightly more than a week after Nomination Day. Thursday is Cooling-off Day and no campaigning is allowed.
Mr Tharman, 66, said that it has been a “really rewarding time” meeting Singaporeans from all walks of life and these interactions have given him a lot of optimism about Singapore.
“As a President, if I’m fortunate to be elected, I’m going to support every on-the-ground initiative that helps strengthen the culture of helping people feeling empowered not just receiving, being able to uplift themselves and uplift all our spirits. It’s a huge reason why I’m optimistic about Singapore.”
He also said that he wants this Presidential Election to be remembered as a contest with a multiracial slate.
“We are rising above race in Singapore, progressively year by year, it’s happening,” he said. “Even though there’s a lot of political noise, I think Singaporeans are quite calm and sensible about it.
“I hope Singaporeans will vote for me because I do think I represent the best for the future of the presidency.”
When asked what he will do on Cooling-off Day, Mr Tharman said that he will probably “overeat” the pineapple tarts he has received. Mr Tharman’s election symbol is a pineapple.
“I’m probably going to have a first day where I can wake up a bit late. But at a certain point, my cats tend to make noise outside the bedroom door and I’ll have to open it and wake up,” he said.
“So I’m just going to have a relaxing day reflecting on the fact that it’s been an election campaign which, despite some of the noise and the tactical fray … which is inevitable in elections, overall … Singaporeans have been quite calm.”