President Halimah Yacob has announced that she will not be standing for the upcoming Presidential Election.
In a Facebook post on 29 May, Singapore’s first female president said that she has decided not to stand for re-election “after very careful consideration”.
“It has been a great honour and privilege to serve as the eighth President of Singapore for the past six years. The experience has been most inspiring and, at the same time, humbling,” she said in her statement.
She added that she was aware of the “tremendous responsibilities” of the presidency when she took office in 2017, and has tried her best to fulfill them.
“My aim was to help create a more caring and compassionate society. I am glad that I was never alone in this journey. I was supported by many Singaporeans who shared strongly in this belief. Working together, we strengthened the voices of our communities and uplifted those who are most in need, particularly the disadvantaged and vulnerable among us,” she continued.
Very proud of Singaporeans who stood together during the Covid-19 pandemic
In her statement, President Halimah also said that she was very proud that Singaporeans stood together during the Covid-19 pandemic to support each other, which has enabled Singapore to transit to its present state.
She also added that many foreign leaders whom she met while representing Singapore internationally had expressed their respect and admiration for Singapore’s good system of governance, which is underpinned by strong social cohesion among our multi-racial and multi-religious society.
Madam Halimah said that the presidency was the highest office in Singapore and a key institution in its democracy.
“It unifies our nation by embodying our shared values and aspirations as a people. The President has significant constitutional, ceremonial, and community-related duties, and holds the second key to our reserves, and to key appointments in the Public Service,” she said
“The unifying role of the Presidency, working closely together with the government to safeguard Singapore’s future, has always been critical to our nation’s success, and will be even more important going forward, as we find our way in a troubled and uncertain world,” she added.
Grateful for Singaporeans’ trust, understanding and kindness
President Halimah also gave her thanks to Singaporeans for their trust, understanding and kindness during her tenure, adding that she will “forever cherish” the fond memories of the people she met, and the experiences acquired during her term.
“These will inspire me to continue contributing to our society and nation in other ways for as long as I am able to,” she added.
She then concluded her statement by thanking her husband and family for their unstinting support throughout her presidency.
You may watch the video or read her statement here.
President Halimah’s term as Singapore’s president is set to conclude on 13 September 2023.
Under the law, the Presidential election must be conducted within six months after the office of the President becomes vacant prior to the expiration of the term of office of the incumbent; or not more than three months before the date of expiration of the term of office of the incumbent.
