In her final speech as Singaporean President, Halimah Yacob said it was her privilege to be the voice of Singaporeans, and to work tirelessly for Singaporeans.
Sept 13 marked the end of Halimah’s six-year term as the president.
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Sept 13 marked the end of Halimah’s six-year term as the president.
Read more at https://rb.gy/6y82i
WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news
SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar
LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline
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NewsTranscript
00:00 [President Lee's speech]
00:05 Madam President, you have been a powerful symbol of unity to all Singaporeans.
00:12 This is not just because of what the Office of the President represents,
00:16 but particularly because of how you perform your duties and led us as our President.
00:23 Throughout your tenure, you showed the way with grounded leadership and a warm heart for the people.
00:31 Your ability to empathise and resonate with Singaporeans from all walks of life
00:37 has brought our nation closer together,
00:39 and reminded us that we all have a role to play to make Singapore a better home.
00:47 As a woman from a minority community, coming from a very humble family background,
00:54 you pursued your education, graduated with a law degree,
00:58 served in the labour movement and in politics,
01:01 and eventually occupied the highest office in the land.
01:06 You showed that our meritocratic system works,
01:09 that every Singaporean can achieve his or her aspirations,
01:14 regardless of race, language or religion,
01:17 and regardless of family background or station in life.
01:22 Madam President, as your term of office draws to a close,
01:26 you can look back on a distinguished and remarkable career in public service and as our President.
01:33 I still remember what you said when you were first elected six years ago –
01:37 "I am President for everyone".
01:41 Through your leadership and heart for the people,
01:43 you have certainly fulfilled your promise.
01:46 Your efforts to expand opportunities for all
01:49 have made for a more united and inclusive Singapore,
01:52 where all of us belong and everyone has a part to play.
01:57 Your commitment to improving our society and your concern for every Singaporean
02:02 will continue to inspire and guide us all as we refresh our social compact and press forward together.
02:10 On behalf of the Government and the people of Singapore,
02:12 I thank you for your service to our nation.
02:15 We bid you and Mr Mohamad farewell and wish you all the best in all your future endeavours.
02:21 Thank you very much.
02:24 Diplomacy constitutes a key part of my work.
02:27 During my presidency and amidst the COVID-19 restrictions,
02:31 I made 21 overseas visits, including 12 state visits.
02:36 It was a chance to raise Singapore's international image,
02:40 strengthen our bilateral ties,
02:43 and open new economic opportunities for our businesses.
02:48 During my visits, I met many Singaporeans,
02:50 I appreciate their contributions and for carrying Singapore's flag high.
02:56 Being the first female head of state and from a minority community has its benefit too,
03:02 as the outside world could see that in Singapore,
03:06 meritocracy and diversity are real and not mere slogans.
03:11 I am aware that as the first female president,
03:14 I had the distinct opportunity to inspire other women and girls.
03:19 Many have shared with me about how uplifting it is for them to see a female head of state
03:26 and a strong message about women's place in our society.
03:30 As someone said to me, I have, and I quote,
03:33 "allowed people to imagine the president as a woman."
03:37 And that, I open quote, "I have not seen a woman as a woman."
03:42 And that, I open quote, "images and ideas give birth to reality."
03:50 If I have been able to empower women in Singapore to push the boundaries
03:55 and reach their fullest potential, I am most grateful for the chance to do so.
04:01 Tomorrow, a new president will be sworn in.
04:05 I wish Mr Tharman Selmurgaratnam all the best in discharging your duties.
04:11 To the people of Singapore, I am humbled by your trust and faith in me as your president.
04:18 It has been a privilege to be your voice, to listen to your concerns,
04:23 and to work tirelessly on your behalf.
04:27 I carried your aspirations in my heart,
04:30 and it is your unwavering support that has fuelled my determination to serve
04:37 every day and every step of the way.