NEW SINGAPORE PRESIDENT WILL ASSUME DUTY WITH HONOUR, DISTINCTION - PM

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah

SINGAPORE, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
expressed confidence that the republic's seventh President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
will discharge his responsibilities with honour and distinction, and elevate
the standing of this important institution.

He said Dr Tan has dedicated decades of his life to public service.

"This time, you came forward to serve Singapore, and offered yourself as a
candidate in the Presidential Election. You explained that you felt that you had
a contribution to make, and therefore had a duty to step forward. The voters
chose you to be our next President," he said in his speech before Dr Tan was
sworn in as Singapore's seventh President at the Istana here Thursday night.

"In this spirit, I pledge the fullest support and co-operation of my
Government to you and your office, as we serve the people of Singapore, and
continue to build a fair and just society for all Singaporeans."