Singapore's Indian-origin ex-minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam wins presidential election
Singapore (PTI): Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an Indian-origin Singapore-born economist, registered a landslide victory in Singapore's presidential election on Friday, winning over 70 per cent of votes in the country's first contested presidential polls since 2011.
The 66-year-old former senior minister bagged 70.4 per cent (1,746,427 votes) of the 2.48 million votes cast, while his Chinese-origin rivals Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian received 15.72 per cent and 13.88 per cent respectively, the Elections Department said.
The result was announced by Returning Officer Tan Meng Dui at past midnight, making Tharman Singapore's third Indian-origin president.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulated Tharman, who served as Singapore's Deputy prime minister from 2011 to 2019, on winning the presidential election.
"Singaporeans have chosen Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam to be our next president by a decisive margin. As head of state, he will represent us at home and abroad, and exercise custodial powers, including over the reserves and key appointments," he said.
Lee noted that in Friday's election, both voters and candidates showed a greater understanding of the roles and duties of the president, which bodes well for Singapore.
"I have every confidence that he will carry out his duties as president with distinction," he said.
Earlier speaking at Taman Jurong Food Centre where his supporters had gathered, Tharman said he is "truly humbled by the strong endorsement" Singaporeans have given him.
"I'm humbled by this vote - it is not just a vote for me, it is a vote for Singapore's future, a future of optimism and solidarity. That's what it really is. My campaign was one of optimism and solidarity, and I believe that's what Singaporeans want," he said.
"I will honour the trust that Singaporeans have placed in me and respect all Singaporeans including those who did not vote for me," Tharman said.
Prime Minister Lee's People's Action Party (PAP) had backed Tharman in the election.
Lee said he congratulated Tharman for his resounding victory to assure him of his government's full cooperation.
"Tharman has also declared his intention to work closely with the Government. As head of state, the president has to be a unifying figure that all Singaporeans can look up to and identify with," Lee said.
Tharman formally launched his presidential campaign in July with a pledge to evolve the country's culture to keep it a "shining spot" in the world.
He joined politics in 2001 and has served in the public sector and ministerial positions with the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) for over two decades.
Over 2.7 million voters cast their ballots. The voters started casting their ballots at 8 AM when polling stations opened. The polls closed at 8 PM (local time).
Incumbent President Madam Halimah Yacob's six-year term will end on September 13. She is the country's eighth and first female president.
This was Singapore's first contested presidential election since 2011.
Singapore in the past has had two Indian-origin presidents.
Sellapan Ramanathan, popularly known as S R Nathan, a Singaporean politician and civil servant of Tamil descent served as the president of Singapore. In 2009, Nathan defeated Benjamin Sheares to become Singapore's longest-serving president.
Chengara Veetil Devan Nair, better known as Devan Nair, served as the third president of Singapore from 1981 until his resignation in 1985. Born in 1923 in Malacca, Malaysia, Nair was the son of a rubber plantation clerk, who was originally from Thalassery, Kerala.
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Gen Z, Gen Alpha will lead India towards Viksit Bharat, says PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India’s younger generations Gen Z and Gen Alpha will play a decisive role in leading the country towards the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), as the government frames policies with a focus on youth empowerment.
According to a report published by NDTV, addressing the Veer Baal Diwas programme at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister said he places immense faith in the competence and confidence of the youth. “This is the generation that will take India forward. I see their ability and self-belief, and that is why I trust them”.
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Quoting the adage, PM Modi explained that even if a child speaks wisely, it should be accepted, meaning that greatness is not defined by age but by deeds and achievements. He underlined that young people can accomplish tasks that inspire others, and many have already demonstrated this.
However, he stressed that these achievements should be seen only as a beginning, as there is much further to go, with dreams to be taken to the skies.
The Prime Minister said today’s youth are fortunate to grow up in an environment that encourages ambition, unlike earlier times when despair discouraged even dreaming. He remarked that today the country seeks out talent, provides platforms, and aligns the strength of 140 crore citizens with their aspirations.
He highlighted that with the success of Digital India, the youth have the power of the internet and resources for learning, with missions like Startup India for those pursuing science, technology, and entrepreneurship, and Khelo India for those advancing in sports. He also referred to his recent participation in the Sansad Khel Mahotsav as an example of expanding platforms for youth development.
Cautioning against the lure of short-term fame, the Prime Minister urged young people to remain focused and principled. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from great personalities and ensure that their personal success contributes to national progress.
Modi further said platforms like Mera Yuva Bharat aim to connect young people, nurture leadership skills, and provide opportunities across sectors. He stressed that youth are central to every major national effort from space, economy and manufacturing to fintech, sports, skill development, and internships.
On the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 9th January 2022, the Prime Minister had announced that 26th December would be observed as 'Veer Baal Diwas', to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose unparalleled sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
