Photo credit: Tharman Shanmugaratnam

In a heartfelt message to his fellow Singaporeans, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Singapore's newly elected President, expressed his profound gratitude for the resounding endorsement he received in the nation's Presidential Election. Shanmugaratnam acknowledged the dedication and energy put forth by his fellow candidates, making it a worthy contest, and extended his thanks and commendation to them.

However, his message primarily centered on the people of Singapore, regardless of their voting choices, thanking them for their interest and calm engagement in the election's critical issues. Shanmugaratnam interpreted his victory as a vote of confidence in Singapore itself and an expression of optimism in the nation's collective progress and support for one another as Singaporeans.

He emphasized the need for a future characterized by deeper respect among citizens, irrespective of their backgrounds and educational achievements. Shanmugaratnam envisioned a future marked by closer interactions between different faiths and cultures, further enriching Singapore's multicultural identity. He also stressed the importance of solidarity, even amidst diverse opinions, as an inherent part of Singapore's democracy.

Shanmugaratnam committed to ensuring that every generation benefits from the nation's national reserves and feels fortunate to be Singaporean. He also aspired to uphold Singapore's international partnerships and continue projecting the nation's voice of reason in a world facing numerous challenges.

As the newly elected President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam pledged to use the powers and responsibilities of his office to advance this future of optimism and solidarity. He concluded his message by expressing his dedication to serving the people of Singapore with all his heart in the years to come, ending with the iconic rallying cry, "Majulah Singapura!"