Halimah Yacob declared president-elect after walkover victory
IT'S official. The first reserved presidential election in Singapore's history has produced the country's first Malay head of state in 47 years, after Halimah Yacob was declared the president-elect on Wednesday.
The 63-year-old former speaker of parliament was successful in submitting all her documents on Nomination Day.
As she was the only one to do so by the noon deadline, the returning officer Ng Wai Choong confirmed her as the sole eligible candidate and declared her the winner via a walkover.
Addressing the nation shortly after the announcement at the People's Association headquarters, Madam Halimah recognised that there have been "some doubts" about the reserved election process, and she reiterated her promise to serve the country and the people.
"Although this is a reserved election, I am not a reserved president. I am a president for everyone. regardless of race, language, religion or creed. I represent everyone, and my duty remains only to Singapore and Singaporeans," she said.
The first woman to become president will be sworn in at the Istana on Thursday to begin a six-year term.
KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Luxury sector outlook clouded by China’s slow recovery
TikTok CEO expects to defeat US restrictions: ‘We aren’t going anywhere’
TikTok artists and advertisers to stay with app until ‘door slams shut’
Biden signs Ukraine aid, TikTok ban Bills after Republican battle
UAE announces US$544 million for rain repairs, says lessons 'learned'
HSBC says growing Chinese wealth fuels client investments in US