Full text of President S R Nathan's farewell speech

Prime Minister
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen


Mr Prime Minister, I am humbled by the tribute you have paid to me. I want to thank you for all the kind words about me and my contributions, though I cannot say with certainty that some will not consider me undeserving of such compliments. With my stepping down from the Presidency tomorrow, the curtain comes down on my 50 odd years in the Public Service.

Thank you also for your kind words about my wife, whose stoically supporting role, masked by her natural graciousness, despite her ailments, helped me and contributed so much to take the Presidency, even closer to our people.

I must also thank your Cabinet colleagues and past Ministers for all the understanding and support they extended to me, throughout my public service career and particularly during the past 12 years of the Presidency.

I saw all that I did as my duty, and sought to discharge them to the best of my ability, in what were exciting times of growth and occasional ups and downs. I am grateful that you gave me all the opportunity and support to play an active role and discharge my duties at all times during the years of your Premiership.

When I was sworn in as President in 1999, I said that I will be a President for all Singaporeans, with every community of Singaporeans as my parish.

I have tried to live up to that, engaging the different races and religious groups in every way possible. I have supported a wide range of worthy causes and provided them patronage.

As you have said, I have given them support for the good work that they do, especially with the less fortunate. In my interaction with people from different walks of life, I received much goodwill and affection from countless Singaporeans.

I am deeply touched by such affection shown to me by Singaporeans, and I will always cherish that memory.

When I started the President’s Challenge as an initiative to involve the different strata of our society to help those who were disadvantaged, I was heartened at the warm response of individuals and corporations who came forth to help, through participation in the Event, volunteering as well as by raising funds.

I hope our people, corporations and voluntary organisations will continue their support in such endeavours.

Looking back over my years in the Presidency, I have been fortunate to be given the privilege to serve, with the cooperation and support I received from you and before that from Mr Goh Chok Tong, now Emeritus Senior Minister.

My years have been one of much satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment. I have seen Singapore go through some extremely challenging times, most recently during the global economic meltdown of 2008/2009.

Beyond that what stands out is how we as a people and government have shown our ability to develop a society that lives in harmony, cultural differences not having led to intolerance and our multi-lingualism making for intellectual enrichment. Above all, without natural resources we have given our people a better life, than what we inherited at Independence.

As my wife and I bid all of you goodbye, we wish each one of you all the very best in life and to you Mr Prime Minister, the strength and wisdom to lead Singaporeans successfully in the days ahead to an even better life.

We will always cherish the memory of our association with you and Madam Ho Ching and your Cabinet colleagues, as well as with each one present and others who are unable to be here, for the gift of your friendship and affection these past 12 years.