Singaporeans have chosen a President who is ‘eminently qualified’: PM Lee
Voters showed that “race is a smaller factor now" by electing a head of state from a minority community “on his merits, by an overwhelming majority”, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's inauguration.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaking at the Presidential inauguration of Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Istana on Sep 14, 2023. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long)
SINGAPORE: By electing Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam as Singapore’s ninth President, Singaporeans have chosen a candidate who is “eminently qualified for this high office”, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday (Sep 14).
Speaking at Mr Tharman’s inauguration at the Istana, Mr Lee added that the Sep 1 Presidential Election – which Mr Tharman won with a dominant 70.4 per cent vote share – also showed that race was a “smaller factor now than it used to be” for Singaporeans.
“It is indeed a good sign that in a national vote, Singaporeans have elected a candidate from a minority community as President, on his merits, by an overwhelming majority.”
In his speech, Mr Lee described former Senior Minister Tharman as “someone who not only has the ability, experience and stature to carry out his duties both at home and abroad, but also sound judgment and unquestioned integrity”.
These are “all vital prerequisites for being President”, the Prime Minister said.
"LONG AND DISTINGUISHED" CAREER
Mr Lee also pointed out that Mr Tharman’s experience in public service had prepared him well for his new responsibilities.
He highlighted the newly sworn-in President’s “long and distinguished" career in the public service, beginning with his role as an economist at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Mr Tharman eventually rose to become MAS’ managing director and later, chairman.
He also held key appointments in the Cabinet, first as Education Minister then Finance Minister.
He then “shouldered broader responsibilities” as Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies and most recently Senior Minister, said Mr Lee.
He added that as Member of Parliament for Jurong for 22 years, Mr Tharman served his constituents “with all (his) heart” and was “always there for them, solving their problems and improving their lives”.
The Prime Minister in his speech also said he was "very happy” to congratulate Mr Tharman on winning the election so decisively.
“It was good that there was a contest, and Singaporeans had the opportunity to exercise their right to vote,” he said.
“The strong vote share you garnered showed the regard and support voters had for you, and for your message of unity expressed in your campaign theme, Respect for All.”
The election showed that voters now have a greater understanding of the roles and duties of the President, added Mr Lee.
“Singaporeans understood that they were choosing a President for the nation, and not electing the next government.”
Mr Lee noted that the President is “someone who represents all of us with dignity and grace, and fulfils his custodial duties with integrity and independent judgment, while staying above the dust and heat of politics”.
By electing Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam as Singapore’s ninth President, Singaporeans have chosen a candidate who is “eminently qualified for this high office”, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday (Sep 14). Jeraldine Yap reports.
LOCAL AND GLOBAL ROLE
As head of state, Mr Tharman has an important symbolic role – to "strengthen our unity and cohesion as one nation”, said Mr Lee on Thursday.
The government shares Mr Tharman’s “declared goal” to build a more inclusive society where everyone is valued for who they are, and every Singaporean has a place, he added.
Noting that Mr Tharman, a former sportsman, has spoken about his passion for sports and the arts, Mr Lee said “we look forward to your support in these areas, which will help to make us a rich and rounded society”.
He also touched on the President’s custodial responsibilities, such as holding the “second key” to the nation’s reserves.
“Given your wealth of experience in economic and financial matters, and your familiarity with how the system of the second key works, I have every confidence in your ability to fulfil this important duty,” Mr Lee said.
Beyond domestic duties, Mr Tharman will be Singapore’s top diplomat, added Mr Lee.
He noted that Mr Tharman was “very familiar” with this role, “having participated actively in international discussions on economic and monetary issues, and having held high-level appointments in international organisations and blue-ribbon advisory panels”.
“The government will work closely with you and support you to make the most of your experience and personal standing, in order to advance Singapore’s interests and enhance our status in the world,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, Mr Lee welcomed Mr Tharman's wife Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnan to her new role, calling her the “one person whose personal support will matter greatly" to her husband.
The Prime Minister said he was sure Mr Tharman would, like his predecessors, be a “President for all Singaporeans” and serve Singapore with “dedication and distinction”.
“We wish you every success as you embark on your Presidency," said Mr Lee. "And will work closely with you to take Singapore forward towards a better, brighter future for all Singaporeans."
