ELECTION OF PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

2.30 p.m.

The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to move the motion standing in my name,

That this Parliament, in accordance with Article 1 of the Constitution of Singapore, elects Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares as President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term of four years to commence immediately after the expiry of his present term of office.

As President, Dr Sheares has undertaken his duties with a conscientiousness which has characterised his whole working life. Unfortunately, in December 1971, his health suffered a setback whilst under examination in hospital at Houston, Texas. Those of us who knew how gravely ill he was, before and after he had his operation in December 1971, were deeply concerned. However, he overcame the setback. Slowly and steadily, he pulled himself up from the aftermath of such a major operation. Courage and tenacity summed up the spirit in the man. He never treated himself as an invalid and, as a consequence, his doctors were surprised and delighted, within less than a year of the operation, to report that he could resume his normal duties.

Firmly but surely, he adjusted life to his new condition and settled a format for an active intellectual life. He resumed his regular protocol and social duties. He also resumed his teaching and demonstration classes at Kandang Kerbau Hospital, imparting his considerable experience and expertise to young doctors aspiring to be gynaecologists.

He has carried his office with unassuming dignity, application and self-discipline. He has won the respect of all who came to know him. He takes his official and social duties seriously. He has a keen and lively interest in his work. He reads up the background to all the papers that constitutionally have to go to him, and thus is abreast of what is going on in government.

In moving his re-election, my colleagues and I have every confidence that he will continue to discharge his duties ably. He has now gained wider experience, and a greater understanding of the ways of men and nations. Every dignitary who has had to call on him has received unfailing courtesy. To everyone of them, he has paid the deepest compliment any Head of State can pay, namely, to take a real interest in the man, learn about him and about the country or causes he represents.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question proposed.

2.36 p.m.

Encik Rahmat Bin Kenap Al-Haj (Geylang Serai): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the motion to re-elect Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares as the President of the Republic of Singapore for a second term.

Since his appointment as President, Dr Benjamin Sheares has demonstrated his capability and efficiency as a Head of State. He is not only a gentle man of kind disposition and manners but also one who is far-sighted. What convinced us is his character and demeanour. He has an interest in all spheres of life, not only in social life but also in religious celebrations organised by the various communities in Singapore. For instance, in the annual celebration of the Prophet Mohamed organised by the Muslim Missionary in Lorong 12, Geylang, to commemorate the birth of Prophet Mohamed, leader of the Muslim faith and the apostle of God, President Sheares has never rejected such an invitation. Instead by attending such meetings he contributed valuable speeches for the Muslim people in the Republic. In brief, President Sheares is not only a Professor in Surgery, and an efficient one at that, but he is also a wise and efficient Statesman who has won the hearts and minds of the people. A leader who possesses these qualities can be a symbol of unity among our multi-racial, religious and cultural communities in our Republic.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the re-election of Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares for a second term.

Mr P. Govindaswamy (Anson): (In Tamil): Mr Speaker, Sir, I wholeheartedly support the motion moved by the Prime Minister to re-elect Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares as President for a further term beginning 2nd January, 1975.

Our President has until today carried out his duties efficiently, thereby earning our praise and respect. Moreover, he has impressed the foreign leaders and diplomats by his intelligence and simplicity. An example of his qualities can be found in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference held in our Republic. You may recall that it was just before that Conference that our President first assumed the responsibilities of the office of Head of State. During that important and trying period, when there were so many leaders of the Commonwealth, our President performed his duties as Head of State and received these dignitaries with accord and earned a good reputation. He has established the fact that he is in every respect fit to be a President.

I, therefore, sincerely support the re-election of Dr Sheares, who has gained experience in the duties of a Head of State, and I am sure all hon. Members in this House will join me in support.

Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon (Tiong Bahru): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me to second the motion moved by the Prime Minister to re-elect Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares as the President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term of four years.

Sir, the President is the Head of a State. In external and internal affairs he symbolises the dignity and the prestige of a country. At the same time he is the highest and model representative of the people. He has to shoulder onerous and important missions of state. Hence, it is very important to choose someone with profound learning, good character and quality, and eminent reputation as President. Looking for such a person may not be too difficult a problem with big countries, but to a small country with a small population such as ours, it really is not an easy task.

Since assumption of office of the President of the Republic of Singapore, Dr Sheares has fully demonstrated his fine qualities in this appointment. His efforts over the past few years have won for our country a high reputation and prestige abroad. His contributions are what we all can see and praise, with appreciation. From his performance in the past few years, we have reason to believe that Dr Sheares will be able to continue leading our country to march towards a better future.

Therefore, Mr Speaker, Sir, I am glad to second the motion re-electing Dr Sheares as President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term. We can also assure him here that we will give him our full support and co-operation.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved,

That this Parliament, in accordance with Article 1 of the Constitution of Singapore, elects Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares as President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term of four years to commence immediately after the expiry of his present term of office.