SINGAPORE, Sept 14 — The outcome of the recent Presidential Election is "positive” for Singapore, as compared to before, race is now a "smaller factor” and Singaporeans have shown a greater understanding of the roles and duties of the President, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Thursday (Sept 14) at the Istana, Mr Lee said. "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.

Earlier this month, Mr Tharman had won the Presidential Election in a landslide victory with 70.41 per cent of the votes cast, ahead of his opponents, Mr Ng Kok Song and Mr Tan Kin Lian.

PM Lee said that Mr Tharman's long and distinguished career in public service, including holding several key Cabinet appointments and being Member of Parliament for Jurong Group Representation Constituency for 22 years, has prepared him well for his presidential duties.

Singaporeans choose 'eminently qualified' candidate

Mr Lee noted that as Mr Tharman himself has said, "race is a factor in politics everywhere”.

But by electing Mr Tharman it means Singaporeans "look at many other factors” beyond race.

"Singaporeans have chosen a candidate who is eminently qualified for this high office — someone who not only has the ability, experience and stature to carry out his duties both at home and abroad but also sound judgement and unquestioned integrity, all vital prerequisites for being President.”

This election results also showed that Singaporean now have a greater understanding of the President's roles, as the campaign largely focussed on the various duties the president would carry out.

"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,” said PM Lee.

"Singaporeans understood that they were choosing a President for the nation, and not electing the next government.

"All these bode well for our nation’s future.”

Uniting the nation

Mr Lee noted that the President plays an important symbolic role in strengthening Singapore’s unity and cohesion and that Mr Tharman himself had said that intangible qualities such as people's ability to stand together in tough times and empathise with others are "critical to our nation’s future”.

On Mr Tharman's campaign pledge to unite all Singaporeans regardless of race, language, or religion, Mr Lee added: "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.”

Mr Lee also noted that Mr Tharman has spoken about being particularly passionate about two areas — sports and the arts.

Sports can be used to build a robust and resilient society, while a vibrant arts scene is a good avenue to celebrate and strengthen our multiculturalism, said Mr Lee.

"We look forward to your support in these areas, which will help to make us a rich and rounded society.”

'Guardian of our nest egg'

The President has important custodial responsibilities as an approving authority for key public service appointments and in holding the "second key” to the country's past reserves, reiterated PM Lee.

The pandemic reminded Singaporeans "what an enormous advantage it is to have adequate reserves to draw upon in a dire situation”.

"You are the guardian of our nest egg, which we have painstakingly built up over decades... You have to ensure that the reserves are well protected, to be used only for important and exceptional purposes, especially in urgent crises,” said Mr Lee.

He added that he has every confidence in Mr Tharman's ability to perform this important duty given his wealth of experience in economic and financial matters.

"I pledge my government’s full support and cooperation, as we operate this unique system to protect our reserves and key appointments.”

PM Lee also spoke about how he has no doubt Mr Tharman will represent Singapore as its "top diplomat” on the world stage 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.”

Concluding, Mr Lee said that with Singapore finding its ways forward in an increasingly troubled and uncertain world, it is crucial that the 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.” — TODAY