President Tharman pledges to strengthen Singapore’s unity in a troubled world

AS SINGAPORE’S newly sworn-in ninth president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam pledged to strengthen national unity and cohesion – an “important symbolic role” as the country navigates a troubled world, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Having campaigned under the slogan “Respect for all”, President Tharman said at his swearing-in ceremony at the Istana on Thursday (Sep 14) that he intends to work with the government and the community to strengthen multiracialism and nurture a more inclusive society.

“I will do my utmost to support initiatives that deepen the respect we accord to our fellow citizens, of all backgrounds and in every walk of life – the respect for all that is at the heart of our solidarity as Singaporeans,” he said.

While Singaporeans have created a cohesive society with a high level of trust and unity, this is neither assured nor permanent, “as we can see from the tides of change in many countries”, he noted.

“Now, more than before, we must grow our sense of togetherness as fellow Singaporeans,” he said. “It will make us a better society, and add to our ballast as we face a more turbulent world.”

Singapore must continue to “add depth and resilience” to its multiracialism, he said. He intends to promote greater interactions between communities, such as trying sports that are “played mainly by a particular ethnic group”, learning one another’s art forms, or having self-help groups collaborate.

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Besides fostering multiracialism, a truly inclusive society must “build a strong culture of kinship and respect”. To that end, he “will encourage the building of active community stakeholders and a thriving civil society”.

For instance, more can be done to support disadvantaged youth, those with mental health challenges, as well as caregivers and seniors that are lonely.

President Tharman also plans to lend active support to the arts and sports. While Singapore’s arts scene is becoming more vibrant and several athletes have excelled internationally, “in both fields, our best years are ahead of us”, he said.

Speaking at the swearing-in, PM Lee noted that as Singapore navigates an increasingly troubled and uncertain world, and its society evolves, it is crucial for its highest office to be occupied by someone with the “right experience and abilities, values and character”.

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, he added.

President Tharman won the Sep 1 presidential election by a landslide, securing 70.4 per cent of valid votes against two other hopefuls, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian.

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

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.

In safeguarding Singapore’s reserves, President Tharman pledged to be “scrupulous and independent” in making judgments about allowing their use – both in future crises and in ensuring Singapore remains safe and liveable over the longer term.

“Unfortunately, Covid-19 will not be our last crisis,” he said. “We must gird ourselves for more crises in a far more uncertain and volatile world.” Singapore also faces longer-term threats, with climate change as a defining challenge for the world, he added.

“Should the need arise in future to use the reserves to tackle such crises and existential threats, we will weigh the matter carefully.” Singapore will have to balance meeting immediate needs with preserving the reserves for future generations, he said.

As for promoting Singapore’s interests abroad, President Tharman pledged to do his part to reflect the country’s values and views, and to enhance its standing among the community of nations.

Singapore must find its way forward amid global tensions such as deglobalisation and the troubled US-China relationship, “always advancing our long-term national interests by standing up firmly for our principles rather than choosing one side or the other”, he said.

The president thanked the prime minister for his support and encouragement, and his predecessor Halimah Yacob for her counsel and advice.

PM Lee pledged the government’s support and cooperation with President Tharman in 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.”

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

Separately, in a Facebook post, PM Lee paid tribute to former president Halimah, calling her a “powerful symbol of unity for all Singaporeans”.

He noted how she worked hard to strengthen mutual understanding, trust, and respect across diverse community groups, while taking an interest in worthy causes such as helping the less privileged. In representing Singapore on the world stage, she also “strengthened our relations and friendship with many countries”, he added.