Posted: 01 July 2011 1533 hrs :*:
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President S R Nathan</td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td class="update"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> <table style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #cccccc" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="240"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="topic" align="left" valign="top">Related News </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" bgcolor="#CCCCCC" valign="top">
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</td><td class="bodytext" width="96%">Statement by President S R Nathan</td> </tr> </tbody></table></td> </tr> </tbody></table></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#CCCCCC" valign="top">
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Singapore: President S R Nathan says he has decided not to seek a third term in office.
Mr Nathan, who is reaching 87 years old in a few days, said that at this stage of his life, he does not believe that he can undertake indefinitely the heavy responsibilities and physical demands of the position of the Head of State.
In a statement on Friday, he added: "Over the past 12 years, I have tried to do my best as Head of State in all my duties, whether it be constitutional, ceremonial or community-related.
"I have gained new insights into the lives of our people in all walks of life - the dispossessed, disabled, and impoverished as well as those able to enjoy the fruits of our economic progress.
"I have sought public support for various social causes, benefitting the less fortunate. If I have fallen short, I would like the people of Singapore to know that this has not been for lack of effort or commitment. I have tried my best."
President Nathan said that he has earned his fair share of criticism.
"Anyone who takes on public responsibilities has to expect that," he said. "I have taken such comments - whether made directly or via social media - as made in good conscience, and well-intended."
President Nathan said that he has been privileged, from the day he came into office, to receive the goodwill and affection of countless Singaporeans, shown in many ways, both public and private.
"I will always cherish the memory of my interactions with these Singaporeans - I find difficulty in finding words to describe their affection and kindness," he said.
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President S R Nathan</td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td class="update"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> <table style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #cccccc" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="240"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="topic" align="left" valign="top">Related News </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" bgcolor="#CCCCCC" valign="top">

</td><td class="bodytext" width="96%">Statement by President S R Nathan</td> </tr> </tbody></table></td> </tr> </tbody></table></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#CCCCCC" valign="top">

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4"><hr align="left" color="#dddddd" size="1" width="510"></td> </tr> </tbody></table>
Singapore: President S R Nathan says he has decided not to seek a third term in office.
Mr Nathan, who is reaching 87 years old in a few days, said that at this stage of his life, he does not believe that he can undertake indefinitely the heavy responsibilities and physical demands of the position of the Head of State.
In a statement on Friday, he added: "Over the past 12 years, I have tried to do my best as Head of State in all my duties, whether it be constitutional, ceremonial or community-related.
"I have gained new insights into the lives of our people in all walks of life - the dispossessed, disabled, and impoverished as well as those able to enjoy the fruits of our economic progress.
"I have sought public support for various social causes, benefitting the less fortunate. If I have fallen short, I would like the people of Singapore to know that this has not been for lack of effort or commitment. I have tried my best."
President Nathan said that he has earned his fair share of criticism.
"Anyone who takes on public responsibilities has to expect that," he said. "I have taken such comments - whether made directly or via social media - as made in good conscience, and well-intended."
President Nathan said that he has been privileged, from the day he came into office, to receive the goodwill and affection of countless Singaporeans, shown in many ways, both public and private.
"I will always cherish the memory of my interactions with these Singaporeans - I find difficulty in finding words to describe their affection and kindness," he said.