Bank of Singapore chief executive Bahren Shaari has no intention to run for the upcoming Presidential Election in September.

Wait, did he really say that?

Depending on which newspaper you read on June 1, you will be forgiven if you came away none the wiser over the 54-year-old's decision.

He had been touted as a potential candidate in this reserved election for Malay candidates, but the likelihood of him running was greatly reduced, given his recent appointment as an alternate member of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA).

Straits Times vs Today: What did Bahren exactly say?

In a report dated June 1, The Straits Times said that Bahren was one of the two potential candidates who "confirmed they were not eyeing the election."

Okay, that sounded straight forward enough.

But wait, if you read Today on the same day, your head will probably get a bit giddy.

The lead paragraph is the kind of wishy-washy writing that can be read either way, which works wonders when it comes to crafting headlines :

Speaking for the first time on the prospect of running for President, Bank of Singapore chief executive officer Bahren Shaari on Wednesday (May 31) did not rule himself out of the coming election. But he stressed that he is currently focused on his job.

Probably a reflection of how badly some in Singapore want an election.

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Top photo from Getty Image

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