The Indian-born economist Tharman Shanmugaratnam was sworn in as Singapore’s ninth president on Thursday, two weeks after his resounding election victory.
On Thursday night at his inauguration ceremony, Tharman (66) took the oath after surveying the security at the Istana.
Tharman served as a civil servant and economist, primarily for the Monetary Authority of Singapore, until entering politics in 2001. According to Channel News Asia (CNA), he served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Finance from 2011 to 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tharman on his victory and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Shanmugaratnam to advance the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership.
Tharman reiterated his aim to bring the country together in his inauguration address.
Just before Tharman took the oath, Madam Halimah Yacob, Tharman’s predecessor, had likewise checked the guards and bid farewell to the line of honour before departing the premises for the last time as president. Her spouse Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee was with her.
Having been elected, Tharman acknowledged his appreciation and humility and asked Singaporeans to foster a stronger 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.
Regular consultations with the Council of Presidential Advisors
Regarding the president’s precise duties, Tharman said that they would include regular consultations with the Council of Presidential Advisors, rigorous and unbiased appraisals, and the use of the veto to block nominees to key positions in the government and the reserves.
He went on to say that he will “be scrupulous and independent” when deciding how to use the “second key” on our reserves.
In keeping with his campaign promises, Tharman reiterated his plans to promote respect and appreciation as well as increased cross-cultural interactions.
He continued by saying that he also intended to represent Singapore internationally and advance its interests while actively supporting the local arts and sports scenes.
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