SINGAPORE — 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, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.

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.

VOTERS CHOOSE ‘EMINENTLY QUALIFIED‘ CANDIDATE 

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

Yet, by electing Mr Tharman, it means that 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.”