President Tharman Shanmugaratnam pledges independence and unity in inaugural address

SINGAPORE: After securing a resounding victory in the Presidential Election with 70.41% of the vote, former People’s Action Party senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam was inaugurated as Singapore’s President at the Istana on Thursday evening.

In his impassioned speech, President Tharman directly affirmed, “I will be scrupulous and independent in making judgements that involve the use of the ‘second key’ on our reserves.”

He highlighted his intent to support initiatives that “deepen the respect we accord to our fellow citizens, of all backgrounds and in every walk of life.”

Drawing attention to his role in safeguarding Singapore’s reserves, he promised, “Should the need arise in future to use the reserves to tackle… crises and existential threats, we will weigh the matter carefully.”

Furthermore, he stated his commitment to “balance between meeting immediate needs and preserving the reserves so that every generation, now and in the future, enjoys their benefits.”

Speaking on national unity, the President mentioned, “Now, more than before, we must grow our sense of togetherness as fellow Singaporeans. It will make us a better society, and add to our ballast as we face a more turbulent world.”

He also expressed a desire to “promote greater interactions between our different communities,” and encouraged activities like “learning one another’s art forms” to enhance multicultural harmony.

Underlining the importance of civil society, he emphasized, “We can do more to nourish the soil for ground-up and purpose-driven initiatives to sprout and grow.”

On the subject of arts and sports, President Tharman recognized that “In both fields the best years are ahead of us,” and that nurturing talent in these areas “will inspire us.”

Acknowledging the geopolitical challenges, he remarked that the world has entered an era of “profound global uncertainty and growing fragility.”

Reiterating Singapore’s neutral stance, he added, “By remaining a voice of reason and striving for solutions that are of mutual benefit, we will remain a partner that others find worthwhile to engage with.”

Concluding his address, President Tharman expressed gratitude to Mdm Halimah Yacob, the eighth President of Singapore and former PAP colleague, and thanked Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for his support.

“I pledge to discharge my duties diligently, faithfully, and to the best of my abilities, for the betterment of Singapore and Singaporeans. I will serve with all my heart.”