Ong Teng Cheong, Singaporean architect and politician, 5th President of Singapore (b. 1936)

Ong Teng Cheong: A Pillar of Singaporean Leadership and Its First Directly Elected President

Ong Teng Cheong (Chinese: 王鼎昌; pinyin: Wáng Dǐngchāng; 22 January 1936 – 8 February 2002) was a pivotal figure in Singapore's political landscape, renowned for his distinguished career as a politician and his foundational profession as an architect. His journey culminated in his historic tenure as the fifth President of Singapore, serving from 1993 to 1999. Notably, he was the first individual to hold this esteemed office after being directly elected by the populace, marking a significant milestone in Singapore's constitutional history. Prior to assuming the presidency, Mr. Ong served as the nation's Deputy Prime Minister, a testament to his extensive contributions to the government.

A Distinguished Career in Public Service

Mr. Ong Teng Cheong’s political career was deeply intertwined with the governing People's Action Party (PAP), where he was a dedicated member for decades. His leadership within the party was solidified when he served as the Chairman of the People's Action Party from 5 January 1981 to 1 September 1993, succeeding Dr. Toh Chin Chye.

His representation in Parliament was extensive:

Beyond his parliamentary duties, Mr. Ong held key ministerial portfolios, where he played a crucial role in shaping national policies:

Mr. Ong’s ascent continued when he was appointed as the 4th Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore on 2 January 1985, a role he held until 1 September 1993. He took over from veteran politician S. Rajaratnam and served alongside then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, contributing significantly to national development and leadership transition during a critical period in Singapore's post-independence journey.

The Historic Presidency: Breaking New Ground

The year 1993 marked a watershed moment in Singaporean politics and for Ong Teng Cheong. In order to participate in the nation's inaugural direct presidential election, he resigned from his membership in the People's Action Party and relinquished all his political appointments. This courageous step allowed him to contest as an independent candidate, a prerequisite for the non-partisan nature of the elected presidency.

Mr. Ong emerged as the winning candidate in the 1993 Singaporean presidential election, making history as the first popularly elected President. This new mandate transformed the presidency from a largely ceremonial role to one endowed with significant "custodial powers," particularly concerning the safeguarding of Singapore's financial reserves and the integrity of key public appointments. Throughout his six-year term, President Ong diligently exercised these powers, famously seeking detailed information on the national reserves to ensure transparency and accountability, thereby setting important precedents for the elected office.

Transition and Legacy

In 1999, Ong Teng Cheong made the decision not to seek a second term as President. This choice was influenced in part by the profound personal loss of his beloved wife, Madam Ling Siew May, who passed away in July 1999. His period in office, marked by a pioneering spirit, redefined the role of the President in Singapore's governance framework.

Mr. Ong Teng Cheong passed away peacefully in his sleep from lymphoma at the Singapore General Hospital on 8 February 2002, at the age of 66. His legacy endures as a public servant who devoted his life to Singapore, leaving an indelible mark as the nation's first popularly elected President and a tireless advocate for the welfare of its people.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ong Teng Cheong

When was Ong Teng Cheong Singapore's President?
Ong Teng Cheong served as the fifth President of Singapore from 1993 to 1999.
Why was Ong Teng Cheong's presidency significant?
His presidency was significant because he was the first President of Singapore to be directly elected by popular vote, following a constitutional amendment in 1991 that granted the President custodial powers over national reserves and key public appointments.
What was Ong Teng Cheong's political background before becoming President?
Before his presidency, Ong Teng Cheong was a prominent member of the People's Action Party (PAP), serving as its Chairman, a Member of Parliament for Kim Keat and Toa Payoh, and holding key ministerial portfolios including Minister for Manpower and Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts. He also served as the Deputy Prime Minister.
Why did Ong Teng Cheong not seek a second term as President?
He decided not to run for a second term in 1999 partially due to the death of his wife, Madam Ling Siew May, earlier that year. He also publicly highlighted challenges in obtaining comprehensive information regarding Singapore's national reserves during his term, a crucial aspect of the President's custodial powers.
When and how did Ong Teng Cheong pass away?
Ong Teng Cheong passed away on 8 February 2002, at the age of 66, from lymphoma at the Singapore General Hospital.