Letting Go Not Easy For Outgoing Tan

FAS chief not seeking re-election, insists 'the good has outweighed the bad' during tenure

- David Lee

Singapore football will have a new leader on April 28, after Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Bernard Tan announced that he will not be contesting for a second term at the elections.

In an interview with The Straits Times at the Singapore Island Country Club on March 29, the outgoing chief apologised to supporters and affiliates who are disappointed by my decision, adding that he is looking forward to spending more time with his family.

The 58-year-old, who is country president of Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas in Singapore, said: "Being the current president, I feel the weight of responsibility and obligation to Singapore football and to see through many things. Moreover, football has been a part of me for some time, so letting it all go is not so easy.

But I've also said in past interviews that I will do what's good for Singapore football first, and not for me. I'm not married to the job, so if someone who is able comes along and wants to take over, I'm happy to allow that to happen.

I remain a fan of Singapore football and I am prepared to remain connected and to serve if the service is something that is meaningful and wanted. But for this round, it will not be as president of the FAS, and I won't be contesting at all (even as an individual council member)."

Tan's decision will pave the way for presidential hopeful Forrest Li. The tech billionaire, who is the founder of home-grown tech firm Sea Limited, officially threw his hat into the ring for the post on March 17, when nominations opened.