Swearing-in of Singapore 7th President Ceremony Pt1/4 - 01Sep2011

SINGAPORE: Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam has been sworn in as the seventh President of Singapore, less than a week after winning the presidential polls.

The 71-year-old former deputy prime minister took his oath in the presence of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong.

A guard of honour mounted by the Singapore Armed Forces and the Singapore Police Force welcomed the country's new President, before he took his Oath of Office.

"I, Tony Tan Keng Yam, having been elected as the president of Singapore, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge my duties," he said.

The swearing-in ceremony at the Istana on Thursday was witnessed by Cabinet ministers, members of the judiciary, parliamentarians and senior civil servants. Also present was Dr Tan's wife, Mrs Mary Tan.

Dr Tan, whose term of office is for six years, was elected after a four-cornered contest in the Presidential Election held on 27 August.

He garnered 35.2 percent of the ballot including the overseas votes.

Dr Tan succeeds Mr S R Nathan who has served as President for the last 12 years, the longest presidency in Singapore's history.

Just before Dr Tan was sworn in, there was a farewell reception for Mr Nathan.

Mr Nathan received his final presidential salute before he took his leave at about 7.40pm, marking an end to his presidency.

The swearing-in ceremony saw both President Tan and Prime Minister Lee emphasise the importance of unity for the nation in their speeches.

In particular, Prime Minister Lee stressed that while a strong economy will always be a priority, Singapore must also build a united society which leaves no Singaporean behind and a well-functioning political system that delivers good government.

Prime Minister Lee noted that the recently concluded general election and presidential polls were fiercely contested.

In the Presidential Election, some candidates had championed various policies while campaigning, even though policymaking is the responsibility of the government and not the President and the debate was intense, at times even divisive.

But now that both elections are over, Singaporeans must come together again and move forward as one people and one nation, said Mr Lee.

"Singapore faces considerable challenges. To surmount them, we must remain cohesive and united, supporting one another, and making tough choices together. Then we can continue to progress and prosper, and create more opportunities and a better life for ourselves," he said.

"The government will work hard to reach out to all groups, to draw us all closer together. As our President, you have an important contribution to make in promoting national unity."

Mr Lee also spoke about the President's custodial functions and said there will be occasions when the government will seek the President's approval to draw on past reserves.

Responding, President Tan said: "I will wield this 'second key' with utmost care. Our reserves have been painstakingly built up over decades, and should not be compromised.

"Our government must continue to live within its means, and only draw on past reserves in an exceptional crisis - like the one we faced in 2008. I therefore welcome the Prime Minister's assurance that the government will continue to be responsible with our finances. I will play my role to safeguard our reserves, so that they can continue to give us confidence in tough times."

President Tan added he can be both a resource and a symbol. So he will offer the Prime Minister his confidential advice on government policies and engage all Singaporeans to understand their interests and concerns.

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[zenipmann]

waah! sooo huge . who's that?

[MrJonslife]

Why did they say changi air base? All air bases sent their men there what..

[shamilmegabyte]

TT like thinking why the Army state colour never touch the floor...

[alheych]

look very very closely at 7:50. LKY already "neng kah" and slipped as he is going up the stairs.

[renez100]

I agree totally. I believe PM Lee is a brilliant and honest leader. I've read that NS men respected him for performing his NS stint fully , and I like that he said he's a listening ear to keep his bearings on the ground. He should watch "undercover BOSS" - good tips cuz he may not get the truth he needs from those around him- REACH.gov.sg is where the citizens pour their hearts out.

As for that TT - I've given him a nought for president. The only president with so much knots to his name.

[Xia0Mangy]

@MrJonslife

That's because he was born to be leader.

[HallOfBannon]

@iHabboSG I know right haha, a bit LOLs ... he was abit blur :)

[augpeh]

NDP 2010 Reserve Parade Commander=NDP 2011 Parade Commander=2011 Swearing-in of Singapore 7th President Ceremony Commander=LTC Fahmi Aliman

[MrJonslife]

tony tan looks so uncomfortable and unnatural when he walks. I think he needs more practice...PM Lee looks so natural when he walks and has tht aura of a leader.