Newly sworn-in President Tharman to play ‘important symbolic role’ in unifying Singapore: PM Lee

AS the newly sworn-in head of state, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has an “important symbolic role” in strengthening Singapore’s unity and cohesion – a declared goal of his campaign and one that the government shares, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday (Sep 14).

As Singapore navigates an increasingly troubled and uncertain world, and its society evolves, it is crucial that its highest office is occupied by someone with the “right experience and abilities, values and character”, he said at the presidential swearing-in ceremony at the Istana.

“As you have said, it’s the things that cannot be measured that will be critical to our nation’s future: Our instinct to stand together in difficult times and look out for one another, our ability to empathise with fellow Singaporeans, and draw strength from our diversity.”

Highlighting President Tharman’s passion for sports and the arts as unifying forces, PM Lee added: “We look forward to your support in these areas, which will help to make us a rich and rounded society.”

President Tharman’s strong vote share in the Sep 1 election showed the regard that Singaporeans have for him, and that voters resonated with his message of unity under the slogan “Respect for All”, said PM Lee.

President Tharman received 70.41 per cent of valid votes cast, compared to 15.72 per cent received by ex-GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song and 13.87 per cent by former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian.

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The election’s outcome was positive for three reasons, said the prime minister. First, Singaporeans have chosen a candidate who is “eminently qualified for this high office”.

He noted President Tharman’s long and distinguished career in the public service, his key appointments in Cabinet and his service as a Member of Parliament for Jurong for 22 years.

Second, the result shows that race has become a “smaller factor” for Singaporeans in voting. “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.”

Third, voters showed a greater understanding of the president’s roles and duties in this election, compared to past ones. PM Lee noted that the campaign focused on how candidates intended to exercise their custodial powers, rather than on government policies or political issues.

Besides unifying the nation, he highlighted two other key responsibilities of the president – custodial duties over the reserves and representing Singapore on the world stage. PM Lee pledged the government’s support and cooperation with President Tharman in both these areas.

On guarding the reserves, he said: “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.”

As for being Singapore’s “top diplomat”, the prime minister said he had no doubt that President Tharman “will fulfil this role with distinction”, given his international experience. “I look forward to you helping to strengthen our ties with other countries and international partners, and to open new opportunities abroad for our people and our businesses.”

PM Lee also extended his welcome to President Tharman’s wife, Jane Ittogi, “to the new role and duties that she will play and fulfil as the spouse of the president in the years to come”.