President Nathan looking forward to next phase

President S R Nathan said on Friday he is looking forward to the next phase of his life, "which will hopefully (have) less pressure".

Speaking to reporters on the eve of Polling Day, he was quoted as saying by Channel NewsAsia, "My feeling is the same - I've decided to step down, so I'm ready for it."

He added that Singaporeans are sensible people who will do what is best for the country. He hopes voters will look at the polls from that perspective, as they have done all these years.

President Nathan was speaking at the sidelines of the Teachers' Day reception at the Istana, where five teachers were given the President's Award for Teachers.

More than 10,300 nominations for the annual award recognising teachers' commitment to the holistic development of students and to nation building were received this year.

They are:

• Mdm Dianaros Ab Majid from Haig Girls' School,

• Ms Serene Han from Montfort Junior School,

• Mdm Chua Mui Ling from Woodlands Ring Primary School,

• Mr Ganesan Raman from Fairfield Methodist (Secondary) School

• Mr Chong Jack Sheng from Woodlands Ring Secondary school.