Tributes flow, as Dr Tony Tan’s presidency draws to a close
In his speech, Mr Lee Hsien Loong hailed his “close and constructive” working relationship with Dr Tony Tan, and listed Dr Tan’s range of contributions and inputs in charity, international relations, and major infrastructural projects, among other areas. Photo: Screen grab from video
SINGAPORE — The Republic has benefitted from Dr Tony Tan’s “calm and dignified presence, wealth of knowledge, and steady judgment”, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yon Thursday (Aug 31) as he paid tribute to the outgoing President in a farewell ceremony and reception at the Istana.
Dr Tan stepped down as head of state on Thursday after holding the highest office in the land for six years.
In his speech, Mr Lee hailed their “close and constructive” working relationship, and listed Dr Tan’s range of contributions and inputs in charity, international relations, and major infrastructural projects, among other areas.
“Mr President, as you complete your term of office today, you can look back on a long and illustrious public service career,” said Mr Lee.
Calling it a privilege to work with Dr Tan for more than three decades, Mr Lee recalled how Dr Tan “mentored and guided” him, and helped him “find (his) footing in government” when he first entered politics. They were subsequently Cabinet colleagues for many years, before Dr Tan became President.
“Like many others, I have always admired your clarity of focus, imperturbable demeanour, and sense of duty,” said Mr Lee. “It was the same these last six years that you have been President.”
Among other things, Dr Tan launched social initiatives including the President’s Challenge Volunteer Drive and the President’s Challenge Social Enterprise Award, and gave support and recognition to volunteer groups doing good work, as well as to professions such as nurses and teachers “who serve quietly day in and day out”.
Outside the country, Dr Tan “widened our circle of friendly countries” by making more than 30 state and official visits, “including several which had not previously been visited by a Singapore President”, Mr Lee said.
“Your efforts have strengthened ties with our friends and highlighted opportunities to do more together,” he added.
Mr Lee said Dr Tan’s consent was also sought last year by the Government on giving a guarantee for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail project.
Mr Lee noted that Dr Tan “studied the issue carefully, giving us your views from the perspective of safeguarding our reserves”. Dr Tan also provided inputs on the country’s long term infrastructural investments such as the Changi Airport Terminal 5 and the Cross Island MRT Line.
While funding decisions for these projects need not be made yet, Mr Lee noted that it was necessary for the Government to start “thinking about possible funding approaches early”.
Dr Tan’s views would be valuable as the Government continues to study the issue with his successor, Mr Lee said. Mr Lee also thanked Dr Tan’s wife, Mary, who was always by his side as he carried out his duties.
“Singaporeans will remember her fondly for her grace, empathy and warmth,” Mr Lee added.
After a dinner reception, Dr Tan was given a ceremonial send-off, involving Guard-of-Honour contingents from the police, air force, army and navy. Dr Tan and his wife mingled with the guests before they left for the night in a Presidential Motorcade, to the applause of those present.
Thursday’s event was attended by 215 guests including Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers, senior civil servants and foreign dignitaries.
Jurong GRC MP Ang Wei Neng said Dr Tan had advised him to “listen to the concerns of the people and have empathy” while at the same time, have the courage to “do the right things”.
Mr Ang added: “(Dr Tan) took interest in Government policies, and has given very good advice to the Cabinet Ministers and senior civil servants.” Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Joan Pereira added:
“This is a man who loves Singapore deeply, and he has shown it through his soft spot for children and the less privileged,” she said.
Senior Minister of State (Law and Finance) Indranee Rajah described Dr Tan as a “stable and unifying influence”. “We are grateful to him and Mrs Mary Tan,” said Ms Indranee. “Mrs Tan has a very special charm and warmth that endeared her to everyone.”
Mr Lee noted that Dr Tan came into office after a “hard fought Presidential Election” in 2011, which took place just a few months after an intensely-contested General Election.
“Public sentiments were still affected... You were acutely aware that the Presidential candidates would come under close public scrutiny, especially a candidate like yourself who had had a long association with the Government,” Mr Lee said.
Still, Dr Tan offered himself as a candidate, Mr Lee noted. “You felt that the country needed a unifying figure, a steady, experienced hand; someone who understood the role of the President, and would do right by the people and by Singapore while staying above the political fray,” said Mr Lee.
“Fortunately, you were elected.”
With Singapore set to pick a new President next month in an inaugural reserved election, Mr Lee said he hopes Singapore will get “a President who will bring as much honour and distinction” to the office as Dr Tan and his predecessors have done.
As provided for in the Constitution, the chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers — a position currently held by Mr J Y Pillay — will be the Acting President between Friday (Sept 1) and until Dr Tan’s successor is elected and assumes office.
Voters will go to the polls on Sept 23 to pick Singapore’s eighth President, if there is more than one eligible candidate, after Mr Lee issued the writ of election earlier this week.
Nomination Day will fall on Sept 13 and nominations will be held at the auditorium of the People’s Association along King George’s Avenue.
