Singapore: Indian-origin Singapore-born economist Tharman Shanmugaratnam, sworn in as the ninth president on Thursday, vowed to strengthen the city-state’s multiracialism and nurture a more inclusive society with the “strong mandate” from the voters.
Indian-origin Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon administered the oath of office to President Tharman at a ceremony held at Istana, a 154-year-old palace in the heart of Singapore’s Shopping and Hotel Belt of Orchard Road. The Istana is the official residence of the President of Singapore.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, members of the Cabinet, MPs, top civil servants and members of the diplomatic corps.
Tharman, 66, will serve a six-year term. He succeeds President Halimah Yacob, Singapore’s first female president, whose tenure ended on September 13.
Speaking after taking the oath, President Tharman promised to work with the government, community groups, voluntary organisations and the entire nation to strengthen Singapore’s multiracialism and nurture a more inclusive society, with the “strong mandate” voters gave him on September 1.
He bagged 70.4 per cent of the 2.48 million votes cast, while his Chinese-origin rivals Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian received 15.72 per cent and 13.88 per cent respectively.
“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.
“I will be scrupulous and independent in making judgements 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 asserted.
Reserves have been a main issue during the election.
In exercising his veto powers on the reserves and key public service appointments, he will confer closely with the Council of Presidential Advisers, and be thorough and impartial in his assessments, said Tharman.
There are longer-term threats to Singapore’s existence and the lives of future generations, such as climate change, he noted.
“Should the need arise in future to use the reserves to tackle such crises and existential threats, we will weigh the matter carefully,” said Tharman.