Tharman Shanmugaratnam (centre), accompanied by PM Lee Hsien Loong, inspecting the line-of-honour at the Istana shortly before he was inaugurated as Singapore's ninth president on Sept 14. - ST
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Tharman Shanmugaratnam is officially Singapore’s ninth president, having been sworn in about two weeks after his resounding win at the polls.
Tharman, 66, took the oath on Thursday (Sept 14) evening at his inauguration ceremony, after completing an inspection of the guards at the Istana.
Shortly before that, his predecessor Halimah Yacob had also inspected the guards and bid farewell to the line-of-honour before departing the grounds for the last time as president. She was accompanied by her husband Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee.
In his inauguration speech, 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 would work with the Government, community groups and other voluntary organisations, and the entire nation to strengthen multi-racialism and nurture a more inclusive society.
On the specific roles of the president, Tharman said he would confer closely with the Council of Presidential Advisers, and be thorough and impartial in his assessments, in exercising his veto powers on the reserves and key public service appointments.
He added that he would “be scrupulous and independent in making judgements that involve the use of the ‘second key’ on our reserves”.
Going back to his campaign promises, 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 planned 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 looked forward to Tharman’s support in the 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 Tharman’s wealth of experience in economic and financial matters, and his familiarity with how the system of the second key works, Lee said he had every confidence in Tharman’s ability to fulfil the important duty of the president in holding the second key.
Lee added that Tharman’s experience in public service had prepared him well for his new responsibilities.
He cited 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.
Lee said that the Government shares 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 looked forward to 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.
Having held high-level appointments in international organisations and blue-ribbon advisory panels, Lee said he has no doubt that Tharman 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.
Lee also noted that there is one person whose personal support would matter greatly to Tharman.
“Let me take this opportunity to welcome your wife, 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, 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.”
