On why he chose a pineapple as his campaign symbol, Mr Tharman explained that the fruit represents “a lot of meaning” to the different communities in Singapore.
“Ong lai – it is a propitious and welcome symbol for many people – when we move into a new home, when we start a new business and we want good luck and good things to happen. It is our future.”
Ong lai means pineapple in Hokkien.
On his upcoming campaign plans, Mr Tharman said he has no plans for a physical rally.
He added that he will continue with what he has always done for more than 20 years – that is meeting people and interacting with them.
“I’m not going to change my personality,” he said.
“I enjoy solving their problems. I enjoy being with them,” he said. “I have a track record on the ground – nationally and internationally – which I believe allows the elected presidency to play a full role in the future for Singapore, and I hope Singaporeans will vote on the basis of those attributes.”
Singaporeans will go to the polls on Sep 1, which has been declared a public holiday.