President S R Nathan will not contest upcoming election

President S R Nathan will not contest upcoming election

AsiaOne

Fri, Jul 01, 2011

President S R Nathan will not be contesting in the upcoming Presidential Election and will step down as President of the Republic of Singapore once his current term ends on September 1.

In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Nathan said he believed he would not be able to undertake the heavy responsibilities and physical demands of the position of Head of State. He will not seek a third term in the next Presidential Election, which must be held by August 31.

Mr Nathan, 86, has served as President for two six-year terms. He was first sworn in on September 1, 1999.

In his statement, Mr Nathan said that it was an honour to serve as the President of Singapore, and over the past 12 years, he said that he had tried to do his best as Head of State in all his duties, whether constitutional, ceremonial or community-related.

He wanted Singaporeans to know that if he had fallen short in any area, it was not because of the lack of effort or commitment, as he had sought public support for various social causes, benefitting the less fortunate.

Mr Nathan acknowledged that he had earned his fair share of criticism, adding that anyone who took on public responsibilities had to expect that. He also said that he would always cherish the memory

Statement by President S R Nathan

In a few days, I will be reaching the age of 87 years. 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. I have therefore decided not to seek a thrid term in office and will step down as President of Singapore.

Over the past 12 years, I have tried to do my best as Head of State in all my duties, whether it be constitutional, ceremonial or community-related. I have gained new insights into lives of our people in all walks of life - the dispossessed, disabled, and impoverished as well as those able to enjoy the fruits of our economic progress. I have sought public support for various social causes, benefitting the less fortunate. If I have fallen short, I would like the people of Singapore to know that this has not been for the lack of effort or commitment. I have tried to do my best.

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.

At the same time, I have been privileged, from the day I came into office, to recieve the goodwill and affection of countless Singaporeans, shown in many ways, both public and private. I will always cherish the memory of my interactions with these Singaporeans - I find difficulty in finding words to describe their affection and kindness.

Whatever the Constitution says about the powers of the elected President, and however varied people's perceptions of the Office may be, 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 the men and women elected by the people to Parliament, and on those who take up office in government. I believe that if those who serve in the government or any other area of public administration meet the demand 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 no more.

We face a future in which the challenges to our leaders will be different from those in the past, but every bit as substantial. We must all be responsive to constructive criticism. At the same time, whether in the office of President or in the executive arm of government, we will always need people of strong character and vision who resist populist pressures and the temptation to sacrifice the long-term interests of the nation in response to those who merely snipe without having to take responsibility.

To serve as President of Singapore had been an honour. To Singaporeans regardless of race, religion or social status, I owe an eternal debt for the opportunity to do so. I will cherish the memory of my association with them and the deep affection they showered on my wife and me.

As for what the Constitution says about the powers of the Elected President, Mr Nathan said that the ultimate welfare of the country and people depends upon the way Singapore is governed and the qualities of the people elected to Parliament.

He said in his statement: "If these people show wisdom and integrity in looking after the interests of Singapore, we can ask no more."

Mr Nathan ended his statement, saying that he owed "an eternal debt for the opportunity" to serve as Singapore's President