ELECTION OF PRESIDENT (Motion)

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Abdullah Tarmugi) in the Chair]

The Prime Minister: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in my name on the Order Paper.

*The motion reads as follows:--

That this Parliament, in accordance with Article 17 of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, elects Mr Wee Kim Wee 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.

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, when I moved the motion to elect Mr Wee Kim Wee as President, four years ago on 30 August 1985, he was not well-known to Singaporeans. I said then:

"What Singapore needs in a President is a man of integrity and dignity. He is without affectations. His easy manner and his understanding of people will make him a good Head of State."

Sir, today Wee Kim Wee needs no introduction. Most Singaporeans have seen and many have met their President and like him. They speak of him with affection. He has time and a kind word for everybody. He is an outgoing person who has reached out to a wide range of people by taking an active interest in community activities and community organizations. He exudes warmth and genuine concern for friends and people he meets. And he does not distinguish between VIPs and ordinary Singaporeans.

Without fanfare he regularly visits welfare homes for the disabled and the aged. He attends and supports many fund-raising functions organized by them, and to show appreciation for their work and to encourage them, he invites the donors, the helpers, the volunteers to receptions at the Istana. He has also visited many Government ministries and departments showing interest in the work and concern for the welfare of the staff.

I asked the President how he would sum up the last four years if he had to write it up for his resume. He replied:

"To single out the greatest satisfaction I have derived from my office is easy. It has been the opportunity to meet people - foreigners and Singaporeans, from visiting foreign Heads of States and governments and other dignitaries, to my Singaporean compatriots from all walks of life. For me, this aspect alone outweighs all other considerations."

He added:

"I am deeply grateful for the moral support and encouragement shown to me by all quarters, including the people of Singapore, especially during my recent bout of illness."

Sir, he has lost some weight since his two operations in January and February this year. But he has recovered a large measure of his enthusiasm, his cheerfulness and his vitality.

I ask the House to support this motion for his re-election.

Question proposed.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Encik Sidek bin Saniff): ( In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the motion moved by the Hon. Prime Minister to elect Mr Wee Kim Wee as President of the Republic of Singapore for a second term of office.

Mr Deputy Speaker, two things impressed me most when the Prime Minister moved the same motion four years ago on the 30th August 1985. And these words still hold true today. First, he referred to the competence of our President who was able to give clear descriptions or reports of what he observed when he was a High Commissioner then. I quote:

(In English): "His despatches in analyzing the situation always got him to the heart of the matter."

(In Malay): The second thing that impressed me then was how Singapore needed someone of integrity and honour. In addition, the Prime Minister made a point about his unassuming character and the unique understanding and compassion he showed to people. I quote the Prime Minister:

(In English):

"What Singapore needs in a President is a man of integrity and dignity. He is without affectations. His easy manner and understanding of people will make him a good Head of State."