SINGAPORE, Sept 14 — Sworn in as Singapore's ninth President today, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam pledged to be
"scrupulous and independent" in making judgements that involve the second key of the reserves, whether in times of crises or in ensuring that Singapore remains a safe and liveable home over the longer term.
He spoke after a busy evening as President-elect, inspecting the guards at the Istana's ceremonial plaza before taking his oath of office at the State Room. Earlier in the afternoon, outgoing President Halimah Yacob and her husband Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee had also inspected the guards before departing the Istana.
He added that as the head of state, the President holds a non-partisan office and can stand above the political fray. "There are also longer-term threats to Singapore’s existence and the lives of future generations. Climate change will be a defining challenge for the world, and especially so for a low-lying island."
But within this framework, there is also"room" for the President to take a special interest in specific issues or champion causes close to his heart, he noted. This involves strengthening people's connections and emotional ties with each another, as well as deepening the experience of growing up together. Doing so would enhance mutual respect and appreciation between people, and would also buttress the Singaporean identity, which Mr Tharman described as Singapore's"most precious asset".
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone among the topics of Anwar and Singapore PM Lee’s meetingSINGAPORE, Sept 13 — The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone was one of the topics raised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today in an informal bilateral discussion...
Read more »
HSR revival promises catalytic developments for Malaysia, Singapore, says Malaysia-Singapore Business Council chairmanKUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — The revival of the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project is expected to bring catalytic developments ”as it will lead to multiplier effects for Malaysia and...
Read more »
Singapore bids a fond farewell to first female presidentSINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Six years after making history as Singapore’s first woman head of state, President Halimah Yacob left the highest office in the land with accolades of being a powerful symbol of unity for all Singaporeans.
Read more »
Nazri sworn in as Simpang Jeram assemblymanThe Amanah man won the seat with a majority of 3,514 votes after defeating Dr Mazri Yahya of Perikatan Nasional and independent candidate S Jeganathan.
Read more »
Nazri sworn in as Simpang Jeram assemblymanISKANDAR PUTERI: Simpang Jeram assemblyman Nazri Abdul Rahman took his oath of office at the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the 15th Johor Sta...
Read more »
Sunway unit wins Singapore land tender for condo project worth RM1.2bilSunway’s subsidiary with partner Hoi Hup Realty Pte Ltd will set up a joint venture company to develop the executive condominium in Tengah district.
Read more »