Team News Riveting
Singapore, September 14
Indian-origin Singapore-born economist Tharman Shanmugaratnam was on Thursday sworn in as the ninth president of Singapore, about two weeks after his resounding win at the polls.
Tharman, 66, took the oath on Thursday evening at his inauguration ceremony after completing an inspection of the guards at the Istana.
Indian-origin Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon administered the oath of office to President Tharman at a ceremony held at Istana, a 154-year-old palace in the heart of Singapore’s Shopping and Hotel Belt of Orchard Road. The Istana is the official residence of the President of Singapore.
His predecessor Madam Halimah Yacob, had also inspected the guards shortly before and bade farewell to the line of honour before departing the grounds for the last time as president. She was accompanied by her husband, Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee.
In his inauguration speech, Tharman said he was honoured and humbled to have been elected. “This was a vote of confidence in Singapore’s future, a future where we all progress together and deepen our solidarity as Singaporeans,” he said.
He stressed that more than ever before, Singaporeans must grow their sense of togetherness. “It will make us a better society, and add to our ballast as we face a more turbulent world.”
With the strong mandate given to him by the people, he said he will work with the Government, community groups and other voluntary organisations, and the entire nation to strengthen multiracialism and nurture a more inclusive society.
