President Tharman Shanmugaratnam vows to strengthen multiracialism, nurture more inclusive society
By Goh Yan Han, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 14 Sep 2023
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam is officially Singapore’s ninth president, having been sworn in about two weeks after his resounding win at the polls.
Mr Tharman, 66, took the oath on Thursday evening at his inauguration ceremony after completing an inspection of the guards at the Istana.
Shortly before that, his predecessor, Madam Halimah Yacob, had also inspected the guards and bade farewell to the line of honour before departing the grounds for the last time as president. She was accompanied by her husband, Mr Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee.
In his inauguration speech, Mr Tharman said he was honoured and humbled to have been elected.
“This was a vote of confidence in Singapore’s future, a future where we all progress together and deepen our solidarity as Singaporeans,” he said.
He stressed that more than ever before, Singaporeans must grow their sense of togetherness.
“It will make us a better society, and add to our ballast as we face a more turbulent world.”
With the strong mandate given to him by the people, he said he will work with the Government, community groups and other voluntary organisations, and the entire nation to strengthen multiracialism and nurture a more inclusive society.
On the specific roles of the president, Mr Tharman said he will confer closely with the Council of Presidential Advisers, and be thorough and impartial in his assessments, and in exercising his veto powers on the reserves and key public service appointments.
He added that he will “be scrupulous and independent in making judgments that involve the use of the ‘second key’ on our reserves”.
Going back to his campaign promises, Mr Tharman also reiterated his plans to promote greater interactions between different communities, and enhance respect and appreciation for one another.
He added that he also plans to lend active support to the arts and sports scene here, and represent Singapore and promote its interests abroad.
To this, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his speech that he looks forward to Mr Tharman’s support in sports and the arts, which will help Singapore become a rich and rounded society.
“I pledge my government’s full support and cooperation as we operate this unique system to protect our reserves and key appointments,” he added.
Noting Mr Tharman’s wealth of experience in economic and financial matters, and his familiarity with how the system of the second key works, PM Lee said he has every confidence in Mr Tharman’s ability to fulfil the important duty of the president in holding the second key.
PM Lee added that Mr Tharman’s experience in public service has prepared him well for his new responsibilities.
He cited Mr Tharman’s appointments in Cabinet, his time at the Monetary Authority of Singapore and his 22 years of service as an MP for Jurong GRC.
PM Lee said that the Government shares Mr Tharman’s declared goal – to build a more inclusive society, one where everyone is valued for who they are, and every Singaporean has a place.
He also said that he looks forward to Mr Tharman’s help in strengthening ties with other countries and international partners, and opening opportunities abroad for Singaporeans and local businesses as Singapore’s top diplomat.
PM Lee said he has no doubt that Mr Tharman, having held high-level appointments in international organisations and blue-ribbon advisory panels, will fulfil this role with distinction.
“The Government will work closely with you and support you to make the most of your experience and personal standing, in order to advance Singapore’s interests and enhance our status in the world,” he said.
PM Lee also noted that there is one person whose personal support will matter greatly to Mr Tharman.
“Let me take this opportunity to welcome your wife, Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, to the new role that she will play as the spouse of the president in the years to come,” he said.
In closing, PM Lee said that Singapore is navigating its way forward in an increasingly troubled and uncertain world.
“Our society is in transition as we adapt to and evolve with changing circumstances. At such times, it is crucial that our nation’s highest office be occupied by someone with the right experience and abilities, values and character.
“I am sure that like your predecessors, you, too, will be a president for all Singaporeans, and serve Singapore with dedication and distinction.”
Outcome of 2023 presidential election positive, bodes well for Singapore’s future: PM Lee Hsien Loong
By Goh Yan Han, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 14 Sep 2023
The outcome of the 2023 Presidential Election was positive for Singapore, and bodes well for the nation’s future, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
It reflected Singaporeans’ collective choice of a well-qualified candidate, that race has become a smaller factor in voting, and that there is now better understanding of the role and duties of the president, he noted.
Speaking at President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s inauguration ceremony at the Istana on Thursday, PM Lee congratulated his former Cabinet colleague on a decisive election win.
“It was good that there was a contest, and Singaporeans had the opportunity to exercise their right to vote,” he said.
PM Lee said Singaporeans have chosen a candidate who is “eminently qualified” for the high office of the president.
The people have elected someone who not only has the ability, experience and stature to carry out his duties both at home and abroad, but also has sound judgment and unquestioned integrity – all vital prerequisites for being president, he said.
The election, which culminated in a 70.41 per cent vote share for Mr Tharman, had also shown that when it comes to voting, race is a smaller factor now than it used to be, he added.
“As you, Mr President, said on election night, race is a factor in politics everywhere, but Singaporean voters today look at many other factors too,” said PM Lee.
“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.”
Voters have also shown greater understanding of the roles and duties of the president than previously, noted PM Lee.
“The president is someone who represents all of us with dignity and grace, and fulfils his custodial duties with integrity and independent judgment, while staying above the dust and heat of politics,” he said.
He noted that the campaign was focused on how the candidates intended to exercise these custodial powers, and what personal experience and attributes they would bring to the post, rather than on government policies or political issues.
“Singaporeans understood that they were choosing a president for the nation, and not electing the next government,” said PM Lee.
“All these bode well for the nation’s future.”
PM Lee wished Mr Tharman success as he embarks on his presidency, and said his Government will work closely with the Republic’s ninth president to take the country forward towards a better, brighter future for all Singaporeans.
He pledged his Government’s full support and cooperation in operating Singapore’s unique two-key system to protect the country’s reserves and key appointments.
He expressed every confidence in Mr Tharman’s ability to fulfil this important duty, given his wealth of experience in economic and financial matters and experience with the system.
He was also sure that Mr Tharman would be able to fulfil the role of Singapore’s top diplomat with distinction, having participated actively in international discussions on economic and monetary issues.
The Government will work closely with him and support him to make the most of his experience and personal standing, in order to advance Singapore’s interests and enhance the nation’s status in the world, PM Lee added.
PM Lee also spoke of Mr Tharman’s campaign message to unite all Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion.
“The Government shares your declared goal: to build a more inclusive society, one where everyone is valued for who they are, and every Singaporean has a place.”
President Tharman vows to strengthen multiracialism, nurture more inclusive society
By Tham Yuen-C, Senior Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 14 Sep 2023
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has promised to use the strong mandate he was given at the ballot box to strengthen Singapore’s multiracialism, and to nurture a more inclusive society.
Mr Tharman, who was sworn in as Singapore’s ninth president on Thursday, said he will work alongside the Government, community groups, voluntary organisations and the nation to enhance people’s respect and appreciation for one another.
He also pledged to be independent in exercising his custodial role over Singapore’s reserves and the integrity of the public service.
“I will be scrupulous and independent in making judgments that involve the use of the ‘second key’ on our reserves – whether in responding to the future crises that will come from time to time, or in ensuring Singapore remains a safe and liveable home over the longer term,” he added.
Addressing Singaporeans for the first time as their president, he said: “This evening, as I stand before you as your newly elected president, I pledge to discharge my duties diligently, faithfully, and to the best of my abilities, for the betterment of Singapore and Singaporeans. I will serve with all my heart.”
Mr Tharman was elected into office on Sept 1 with 70.41 per cent of the vote.
Giving his first speech as head of state, he said the elected president holds a non-partisan office in Singapore’s system of governance. It is precisely because the office is above the political fray that the president can be a symbol of the nation, he added.
While the president exercises important custodial responsibilities under the Constitution, in most other matters such as foreign relations, the president acts on the advice of the Cabinet, he noted.
“Nevertheless, within that framework, there is room for the president to take a special interest in specific issues, or champion causes close to his or her heart,” he said.
“Respect for All” had been the theme of his campaign during the presidential election, and on Thursday night, Mr Tharman set out how he would achieve this during his presidency.
This includes promoting greater interaction between the different communities while ensuring the vibrancy of the different cultures, such as by encouraging youth to play sports that are mainly played today by a particular ethnic group or promoting collaborations between self-help groups, community organisations and business chambers.
Singapore has made itself into a cohesive, multiracial society with high trust and unity, but Mr Tharman urged people to recognise that none of what has been achieved is permanent, as what has happened in many other countries has shown.
As the Republic matures, a greater diversity of views and preferences must be expected, but Singapore must not allow any of these differences to cause division, he said.
“Now, more than before, we must grow our sense of togetherness as fellow Singaporeans. It will make us a better society, and add to our ballast as we face a more turbulent world.”
He noted that it had taken many years of mutual accommodation to bridge racial and religious differences, and urged people to continue building closer bonds, starting in their neighbourhoods and in other shared spaces such as schools and workplaces.
“We must continue to take steps forward, to add depth and resilience to our multiracialism, and never let it fray. We must continue to strengthen the experience of growing up together, and our connections and emotional ties with one another,” he said.
Mr Tharman also spoke about how he intends to foster a more inclusive society by encouraging an active community and thriving civil society. He also plans to lend his support to the arts and sports.
More can be done to help ground-up and purpose-driven initiatives “sprout and grow”, including those aimed at supporting disadvantaged youth and people who need a second or third chance, he added.
He called on Singaporeans to jointly build a culture of kinship and respect, so that there is empathy for one’s fellow citizens, with people bringing out the best in one another, and feeling that they only truly succeed when everyone succeeds together.
“I remain committed to making Singapore a more inclusive and socially just society, which has been my life’s purpose,” he said.
An avid sportsman in his youth, Mr Tharman said that while Singapore has made great strides in the arts and sports, “in both fields, our best years are ahead of us”. Nurturing every talent in these fields and supporting their journeys will inspire all Singaporeans, he said.
Mr Tharman also spoke about how he would perform his custodial and diplomatic roles.
In exercising his veto powers on the reserves and key public service appointments, he said he would confer closely with the Council of Presidential Advisers and be thorough and impartial in his assessments.
Should the need arise in future to use the reserves to tackle crises and existential threats, such as climate change, “we will weigh the matter carefully” and balance between meeting immediate needs and preserving the reserves so that every generation can enjoy its benefits, he said.
On his diplomatic role, Mr Tharman said he will promote the country’s interests abroad, in line with the objectives and priorities of the Government. Amid an era of profound global uncertainty caused by developments such as the war in Ukraine and the lack of strategic trust between the world’s major powers, he said Singapore must find its way forward and advance its long-term national interests by standing up firmly for its principles, rather than choosing sides.
“By remaining a voice of reason and striving for solutions that are of mutual benefit, we will remain a partner that others find worthwhile to engage with,” he said.
Thanking Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for his support and encouragement, he said: “I look forward to working constructively with you and your Cabinet.”
Mr Tharman also thanked his predecessor, former president Halimah Yacob, for her service to Singapore and her counsel and advice.
He closed his speech by thanking Singaporeans for their strong endorsement.
“Regardless of the challenges ahead of us or the differences amongst us that we will inevitably have, let us remember that we are bound by a common destiny,” he said.
“Let us take confidence in what we have achieved together so far, and pledge to work together for a future of optimism and respect for all.”
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