Now to look forward and focus on the tasks: Dr Tony Tan

President-elect Dr Tony Tan says it is important to look forward and focus on the tasks at hand, rather than analyse the results.

Speaking at a media conference on Sunday afternoon at Rendevous Hotel, the 71-year-old was asked for his thoughts on the narrow winning margin and whether he had expected a nail-biting finish to a thrilling contest.

Noting that the "election is behind us now", he emphasised that he will do his best to deliver on the platforms which he had outlined during his campaign.

"I think we should look forward to see what we can do rather than look backwards as to the narrow victory, the votes for the other candidates and for myself.

"I anticipate that this would be a subject of much commentary and analysis by political commentators and pundits in the coming days and months. I look forward to reading their views and to see what they make of the election.

"But as for myself, it's over. Now the question is we have to concentrate on the real work which is what we can do to make Singapore a better place and give Singaporeans a better quality of life," he stressed.

When asked about the exciting turn of events which saw a heated contest between him and former People's Action Party Member of Parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock, he said that what counts is the final result, adding that there will be "ups and down" as the counting went on.

Early on Sunday morning, he was announced as Singapore's seventh president, narrowly defeating Dr Tan Cheng Bock by a 0.34 per cent margin or by 7,269 votes.

He secured 744,397 or 35.19 per cent of total valid votes, while the latter obtained 737,128 or 34.85 per cent of the votes.

"I think the important thing is that the result is quite decisive. I have a mandate now, being elected by the people of Singapore. I intend to use all my efforts to try fulfill that mandate and meet the expectations of Singaporeans," he said.

The former deputy prime minister was also asked for his thoughts on the 37, 826 rejected votes which could have decided the election outcome, given the close winning margin.

Declining to speculate on the reasons why those votes cast were rejected, Dr Tan added that all the candidates have their respective counting agents at the centres and would have scrutinised the process "very carefully".

He noted, "We have an excellent Elections Department who is unbiased, fair to all the candidates. And I'm sure if a vote is rejected, there must be a good reason for it. I hoped that there will be fewer rejected votes in the coming election."

Reiterating that the most "immediate" thing to do now is to reach out to all Singaporeans, regardless of political affiliations, Dr Tan also mentioned that he intends to remain accessible to the people.

These include, meeting them at functions, arranging tea sessions for those from various groups and connecting through social media. He added that these will allow him to keep in touch with the ground and understand their concerns "all the time".

Politically divided society?

When asked if the presidential election results could mirror a politically divided society, Dr Tan said there must be recognition that there are "many voices" in Singapore today.

Acknowledging that today's electorate is more vocal and would like their views to be heard, he added that this is a "good thing" as there should be a diversity of opinions.

"It enriches our society, it makes Singapore more vibrant. Admittedly, it may make the process of governing a little more difficult because there is more noise. There could be a little confusion from time to time.

"Decision making may be a bit slower but I think that's a maturing of our democracy, civil society and our politics in Singapore and it's a development which I welcomed," he said.

Turning his attention to the presidential office, Dr Tan also stressed that the head of state must operate within the perimeters of the constitution and the importance of acting independently and not be "partisan" to judge issues based on their merits, in the best interests of the nation.

However, he pointed out that the constitution is not cast in stone but a "living document" but changes to the constitution will be determined by Parliament.

"If Parliament decides there should be changes to the President's powers and authorities, then the President will have to abide by those changes if they are approved by Parliament."

Still, he highlighted that the presidential role is an ongoing process and "will change in time" depending on the needs of the country, and Singaporeans.

"The debate on the presidency will not stop here. I think that there will be more discussion. It should be debated; I think with these, there will be greater clarity to find out to what works best for Singapore."

Commending incumbent President SR Nathan for his service, in particular his efforts to help the disadvantaged, Dr Tan said he intends to continue the former's work through the President's Challenge which he viewed as a "great initiative".

When asked what Singaporeans can expect from his presidency, Dr Tan said he will continue to reach out to Singaporeans as to what President Nathan had done, adding that it is unfair to view the latter's tenure as being in an ivory tower.

"I think he's (Nathan) made a great effort to reach out to Singaporeans. I intend to do the same, not to isolate myself in the Istana but to reach out to various groups.

"To take an interest in particular issues, and to meet a wide spectrum of Singaporeans from all walks of life, different interests groups and to work with them and for them in order to help advance their causes for the benefit of Singaporeans," he said.