Indian-origin Tharman Shanmugaratnam sworn in as Singapore President

Two weeks after his resounding election victory, Indian-born economist Tharman Shanmugaratnam was inaugurated as Singapore’s ninth president on Thursday. After inspecting the security at the Istana, Tharman (66) took the oath on Thursday evening during his inauguration ceremony. Before entering politics in 2001, Tharman worked as a civil servant and economist, primarily for the Monetary Authority of Singapore. From 2011 to 2019, he was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Finance, according to Channel News Asia (CNA). In addition to congratulating Tharman on his victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was looking forward to working with Shanmugaratnam to further develop the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership. During his inaugural address, Tharman reaffirmed his plans to unite the nation. Madam Halimah Yacob, Tharman’s predecessor, had also inspected the guards and said goodbye to the line of honour before leaving the premises for the final time as president just before Tharman took the oath. She was accompanied by her husband, Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee. Tharman expressed his gratitude and humility for being elected and urged Singaporeans to strengthen their sense of community. “This was a vote of confidence in Singapore’s future, a future where we all progress together and deepen our solidarity as Singaporeans. It will make us a better society, and add to our ballast as we face a more turbulent world,” The Strait Times quoted him as saying. Speaking of the strong mandate that the people had given him, Tharman stated that he will collaborate with the government, community organisations, other non-profit groups, and the entire country to deepen multiracialism and foster a more inclusive society. Regarding the president’s specific responsibilities, Tharman stated that he will consult frequently with the Council of Presidential Advisors, be thorough and objective in his evaluations, and use his veto power to veto nominations to the reserves and important positions in the public sector. He continued by saying that when making decisions about the use of the “second key” on our reserves, he will “be scrupulous and independent.” Tharman also restated his plans to encourage more encounters across various cultures and to foster respect and appreciation, which were part of his campaign promises. He added that he also plans to lend active support to the arts and sports scene here, represent Singapore and promote its interests abroad. The ceremony also featured remarks from Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who expressed his excitement for Tharman’s support of the arts and sports, which will help Singapore develop into a well-rounded society. The Strait Times paraphrased Lee as stating, “I pledge my government’s full support and cooperation as we operate this special system to protect our reserves and key appointments.” PM Lee stated that he had complete faith in Tharman’s capacity to carry out the significant responsibility of the president in holding the second key, noting Tharman’s breadth of knowledge in economic and financial concerns as well as his familiarity with the second key system. Tharman’s prior experience in the government has, according to PM Lee, well-prepared him for his current responsibilities. Tharman’s nominations to the Cabinet, his tenure at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and his 22 years as an MP for Jurong GRC were also mentioned by the speaker. According to PM Lee, the government agrees with Tharman’s stated objective to create a more inclusive society where each Singaporean has a place and is cherished for who they are. He added that he anticipates Tharman’s assistance in fostering ties with other nations and global partners and creating possibilities for Singaporeans and local enterprises to conduct business abroad. PM Lee added that he is confident Tharman, who has held prominent positions in prestigious advisory panels and international bodies, will perform this duty admirably. “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 mentioned that Tharman will value a particular person’s assistance immensely on a personal level. “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 added. PM Lee stated in his concluding remarks that Singapore is charting its way forward in a world that is becoming more difficult and uncertain. “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,” Lee said. “I am sure that like your predecessors, you, too, will be a president for all Singaporeans, and serve Singapore with dedication and distinction,” he stated. On September 1, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) claimed that former minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam had won a convincing victory to become Singapore’s ninth president. Tharman won with an overwhelming majority of the votes (70.4%), followed by former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song with 15.72%. After 12 years, Singapore held its first competitive presidential election. (With agency inputs)