President Nathan: I have tried to do my best
If he had fallen short of Singaporeans' expectations, it was not for lack of trying, said President S R Nathan on Friday.
Announcing his decision not to seek a re-election, Mr Nathan said he had "tried to do my best as Head of State in all my duties" and "sought public support for various social causes".
"If I have fallen short, I would like the people of Singapore to know that this has not been for lack of effort or commitment. I have tried to do my best."
However, the President acknowledged, "No doubt I have earned my fair share of criticism. Anyone who takes on public responsibilities has to expect that."
"I have taken such comments -- whether made directly or via social media -- as made in good conscience and well-intended," he said in a two-page statement.
Explaining his decision not to seek a third term in office, Mr Nathan, who turns 87 in a few days, said, "At this stage of my life, I do not believe I can undertake indefinitely the heavy responsibilities and physical demands of the position of Head of State."
He will step down when his terms ends on 31 August 2011.
Pointing to a future with a set of different, but equally substantial, challenges facing Singapore's leaders, Mr Nathan urged, "We must all be responsive to constructive criticism."
Be it in the President' office or in government, there is a need for people of strong character and vision, and who resist populist pressures and temptation to sacrifice the Republic's long-term interest in response to those who "merely snipe without having to take responsibility", he said.
While noting the "varied" perceptions people may have on the powers of the Elected President, Mr Nathan, who is the sixth President of Singapore, said, "Ultimately the welfare of our country and people depends upon the way Singapore is governed and administered."
"That depends in turn upon the qualities of men and women elected by the people to Parliament and on those who take up office in the government," he said.
"I believe that if those who serve in the government or any other area of public administration meet the demands of their office to the best of their ability, and if they show wisdom and integrity in looking after the interests of Singapore, we can ask for no more."
Terming his service as Singapore's President "an hounour", Mr Nathan said, "To Singaporeans regardless or race, religion or social status, I owe an eternal debt for the opportunity to do so."
Admitting his difficulty in putting to words the affection and kindness he's experienced from Singaporeans, he said, he has been 'privileged".
"I will cherish the memory of my association with them and the deep affection they showered on my wife and me."
With Mr Nathan out of the contest, this leaves Presidential hopefuls Dr Tony Tan, Tan Kin Lian and Dr Tan Cheng Bock in the running for the Presidency, should all of them be given the certificate of eligibility.
In a statement, former deputy prime minister Tony Tan said, "President S R Nathan has served all Singaporeans well. His time in office will be remembered as one of wisdom and compassion."
"I join Singaporeans in thanking President Nathan for his steadfast commitment to duty," he said.
Tan Kin Lian said the news did not come as a surprise to him. "He (Mr Nathan) is highly respected, friendly, approachable and portrays a fatherly figure. I wish him a happy retirement."
Dr Tan Cheng Bock, who had travelled with Mr Nathan on official visits to while Dr Tan was in the government parliamentary committee, said he found Mr Nathan "warm and unassuming".
"Before he became President he would invite me as Leader of the South East Asian Parliament group to round table talks with leaders of the region," added Dr Tan. "It was an enriching experience for me and I thank him."
Mr Nathan was first sworn in on 1 September 1999 and again, in 2005. Both times he did not face contest.
Earlier in June, Mr Nathan indicated that his age would be factor in his decision on whether he would run for the Presidency this year.
Among the initiatives he embarked on as President, he started the President's Challenge. His memoirs on the duties and role of the President is expected to be released in September.
Mr Nathan succeeded the fifth President of Singapore Ong Teng Cheong. Now, who will be succeeding him?
