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Presidential election offers lessons on independence

Appointment of independent directors should be subject to intense and frequent public deliberation

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Ben Paul

Ben Paul

Published Mon, Sep 4, 2023 · 05:00 AM
    • Tharman Shanmugaratnam insisted he had always been independent-minded and never politically partisan, but he also highlighted the experience he had gained from his government roles.
    • Tharman Shanmugaratnam insisted he had always been independent-minded and never politically partisan, but he also highlighted the experience he had gained from his government roles. PHOTO: BT FILE

    THERE was a lot said about the meaning of “independence” in the run-up to last Friday’s presidential election.

    For some, the links each of the three candidates had to the government and the ruling party over the years was a key issue.

    This is not surprising given that the president is a check of sorts on the government in relation to the use of past reserves, the appointment of key public officials, and the authorisation of corruption investigations.

    BT CorrespondentsCorporate governanceTharman ShanmugaratnamNg Kok SongTan Kin Lian

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