Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that candidates should move past labels and sweeping statements to position themselves based on what they can contribute to Singapore, instead of politicising the debate.
Tharman, as he is called, was given a huge farewell, attended by several thousands, in honour of his great service as MP for Taman Jurong since 2001. He announced on June 8 that he would run for president this year.