Farewell reception for a president who 'worked tirelessly' for Singapore
PM Lee hosts event to thank Dr and Mrs Tony Tan; Dr Tan says he and PM had a cordial relationship and worked well together
Singapore
PRESIDENT Tony Tan Keng Yam was given a grand send-off on the final day of his six-year term on Thursday night, in a farewell reception and ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana.
Speaking at the event attended by more than 200 people, including Cabinet ministers, senior government officials and staff from the Istana, Mr Lee thanked Dr Tan and his wife Mary for their service and contributions to the nation.
Mr Lee recounted that Dr Tan became Singapore's seventh head of state after a "hard fought" election in August 2011, which was held just three months after a general election.
With the public's sentiments still raw from the intense hustings, Mr Lee said Dr Tan was acutely aware that the presidential candidates would come under close public scrutiny that year - more so for someone with a long association with the government, like Dr Tan.
Dr Tan spent 37 years as a member of parliament with the People's Action Party, and was a Cabinet minister for the bulk of that period, rising to become Deputy Prime Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for Security and Defence.
Mr Lee recalled that, five years after retiring from politics, Dr Tan had came forward to offer himself as a candidate for the presidential election.
"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.
Dr Tan, now 77, emerged victorious in a four-cornered fight, and only after a dramatic recount of the votes; he was elected by a wafer-thin margin of just 7,382 votes.
Said Mr Lee in his speech: "Fortunately, you were elected, and Singapore has benefited greatly from your calm and dignified presence, wealth of knowledge and steady judgment."
Mr Lee said Dr Tan "worked tirelessly" to fulfil all the important responsibilities as President - a head of state who sits at the apex of the political system and the country, a unifying figure for all citizens, a representative of Singapore to the world, the custodian of the reserves and of the integrity of the public service.
Mr Lee described Dr Tan as a "prudent and conscientious" custodian.
"You ensured that our national reserves continued to be well-protected, and used only for good cause; and that only well-qualified, suitable people were appointed to key public offices," said the prime minister.
"We were able to operate these presidential safeguards effectively and smoothly, because your office and the government have had a close and constructive working relationship, based on mutual trust and respect," said Mr Lee.
Now that Dr Tan has stepped down from office, Singapore has an Acting President - Council of Presidential Advisors chairman JY Pillay, who will serve until a new President is elected later this month.
Polling Day has been set for Sept 23.
The upcoming presidential election is the first to be reserved for candidates from the Malay community. Mr Lee said the government had sought Dr Tan's views on the constitutional amendments, adding that it was "proper and valuable" that Dr Tan gave his support.
"If all goes well, Singapore will have a Malay president, whom all Singaporeans, regardless of race or religion, will look up to with pride, as representing them and the nation - a president who will bring as much honour and distinction to the Office as you and your predecessors have," said Mr Lee.
Taking the podium later, Dr Tan highlighted the cordial relationship that has allowed him to work well with Mr Lee over the past six years.
"Mutual trust and respect underpin our constitutional roles as Prime Minister and President, and our cordial relationship has allowed formal as well as informal opportunities to work together," he said.
"I have greatly valued our regular meetings, and I am happy that my contributions and views have been helpful and constructive."
Dr Tan added that, from Friday, he looked forward to continuing to serve Singapore in a different capacity - as a citizen.
