President can be resource and symbol: Tony Tan

While the President is not a centre of political power, he can be a “resource” for the government and a “symbol” of all that is good in Singapore and its citizens, said Singapore’s new President Dr Tony Tan on Thursday evening.

Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony at the Istana, Dr Tan, 71, pledged to "offer the Prime Minister my confidential advice on government policies”, noting that his years in Parliament and in the private sector will “offer a useful perspective”.

And as the country’s seventh President seeks to forge a “constructive relationship” with the government, Dr Tan said he will also strive to work with civil society and community groups “to advance the interests of all Singaporeans, whatever their political persuasions”.

The Republic’s new Head of State stressed that he is “deeply aware of the challenges faced by Singaporeans who struggle to make ends meet, or feel that they are being left behind”.

Describing the country as a “work-in-progress”, the former deputy prime minister said, “Our progress cannot be measured only by our ranking on international tables or the success of our highest flyers”.

“As President, I will work with the government, community groups, and the entire nation to make Singapore a more caring and gracious society,” stated Dr Tan, who took his oath in the presence of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong.

Dr Tan was elected into the office on 27 August, after a four-way contest, with 35.2 per cent of the votes. He takes over from President S. R. Nathan, 87, who officially stepped down on Thursday after a farewell parade by a 96-strong guard of honour.

Other than wielding the President’s custodial responsibilities of protecting the reserves and the integrity of Singapore’s public service with “utmost care”, Dr Tan also said that he wanted to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in all Singaporeans during his six-year term in office.

“Few of us may actually start new businesses or ventures. But all of us can identify needs or gaps, tinker with new ideas, and create our own opportunities. We can all benefit from such creativity and energy,” he said.

Calling for Singaporeans to come together to face new challenges and build the nation’s future, Dr Tan said he is “deeply honoured to be your seventh President and third elected to that office”.

“I am humbled by the tasks that have been given to me. I will apply myself to these tasks with all my ability, with all my energy, and with all my heart. With your support, I will strive to be a President of whom you will all be proud.”

There were some 220 guests invited to the swearing-in ceremony. They included Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and foreign diplomats.

Addressing Dr Tan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the government looks forward to working with him to continue strengthening the institution of the elected Presidency.

While the “fundamental purpose” of the second key will not change, that is to have the President and Council of Presidential Advisers safeguard the reserves and integrity of the public service, strengthening this office is “also about the softer aspects of custom practice and tradition”, said Mr Lee.

This could include intangibles such as the way the government and President cooperate with each other, how the President conducts his duties at home and abroad and how Singaporeans understand the President’s role.

He assured Dr Tan that his government will “continue to be prudent and build up our reserves year by year”.

But in the event the government would need to draw on the past reserves – a possibility during Dr Tan’s term given the unstable global economy now – the government will work with the President to “handle the request and decision deliberately, systematically and in the best interests of Singaporeans,” he said.

Highlighting the President’s ceremonial functions, Mr Lee noted that Dr Tan represents all Singaporeans and stands for the country on the international arena.

“You are a symbol of our unity and nationhood. These are sometimes described as “ceremonial” functions, but they are serious and important ones, especially in these times of uncertainty and change,” he said.

Pointing to the same goals Dr Tan and the government have in making a difference to Singapore, Mr Lee said: “In this spirit, I pledge the fullest support and co-operation of my government to you and your office, as we serve the people of Singapore, and continue to build a fair and just society for all Singaporeans.”