An Indian-origin Tamilian and Economist leads the way for ‘future of optimism’
Our Bureau
Singapore
In Singapore’s landmark election for the post of President, Tharman an Indian-origin Tamilian received overwhelming support and a resounding mandate with an enormous 70.4% of the votes in a triangular contest and was elected as the city-state’s 9th President on Friday.
Having registered a landslide victory in Singapore’s presidential election, Tamil-origin economist Tharman Shanmugaratnam attributed his win as a vote of confidence in the city-state’s future and vowed to build a ‘future of optimism’.
“I pledge and it will be my duty to use the roles and responsibilities of the President to advance this future of optimism and solidarity among Singaporeans. That is my pledge,” Tharman said in his first remarks after his win.
“Once again, let me just say that I am truly humbled, and I will honor the trust that Singaporeans have placed in me and respect all Singaporeans for the views they have expressed, including those who did not vote for me,” stated Tharman.
His competing contestants in the election fray, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian received 15.72% and 13.88% of the votes, respectively.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulated Tharman for winning by a ‘decisive margin’ and expected that the former senior minister would carry out his duties as president with distinction, having had a long and distinguished record of public service.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Tharman Shanmugaratnam on his election as president of Singapore.
