Singapore president sworn in amid criticism

SINGAPORE: Singapore yesterday inaugurated its first female president amid criticism that she is taking office without a vote.

Halimah Yacob, 63, a former speaker of Parliament, won the presidency in a walkover after authorities decided her rivals did not meet strict eligibility criteria.

While the role is largely ceremonial, the president has veto powers on key government appointments and safeguards the country’s financial reserves.

In her first speech as president, Halimah addressed the racial tensions that had sprung up and vowed to be president of all Singaporeans “regardless of race, language or religion”.