Tan reportedly did not specify his plans and only addressed the UK-listed miner’s recent spate of stakeholder infighting and share price erosion in vague terms.
“Both the board and I see the need for the chairman to stay on through this critical period, however, I do not intend to stay as chairman any longer than the company needs me to,” he said in an email published by Reuters.
“The board and I believe that I have to led Bumi through this period on behalf of the shareholders who have lost so much through the poor behaviour of others.”
The news comes as Bumi prepares for a shareholder vote next month which could oust 12 to 14 board members including Tan.
It has been a difficult few months for Bumi as a separation with its 29%-owned Bumi Resources and an investigation into alleged financial irregularities continue to unfold.
Earlier this month, Bumi announced a $655.4 million loss for the first nine months of 2012.
