Ong Teng Cheong, Singaporean architect and politician, 5th President of Singapore (d. 2002)

Ong Teng Cheong: Singapore's First Elected President

Ong Teng Cheong (Chinese: 王鼎昌; pinyin: Wáng Dǐngchāng), born on 22 January 1936 and passing away on 8 February 2002, was a distinguished Singaporean politician and a trained architect. He holds a unique and significant place in Singapore's history as the nation's fifth President, serving from 1993 to 1999. Notably, he was the first President of Singapore to be elected by popular vote, marking a pivotal moment in the country's constitutional evolution. Prior to his historic presidency, he held the crucial role of Deputy Prime Minister, a testament to his extensive political career and leadership capabilities.

A Distinguished Career in Public Service and the PAP

Ong's extensive political career unfolded within the People's Action Party (PAP), Singapore's governing political party. His leadership capabilities were recognized early; he served as the Chairman of the People's Action Party from 5 January 1981, taking over from Dr. Toh Chin Chye, a key founding member of the PAP, until 1 September 1993. As a dedicated Member of Parliament (MP), he represented the Kim Keat Single Member Constituency (SMC) from 1972 to 1991 and later the Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency (GRC) from 1991 to 1993, demonstrating his strong connection with the electorate.

His ministerial portfolios showcased his versatility and commitment to national development. He served as the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts from 1978 to 1981, playing a vital role in shaping Singapore's media and telecommunications landscape. Subsequently, he was appointed Minister for the Ministry of Manpower from 1981 to 1983, where he significantly influenced labour policies and workforce development. His ascent continued when he was appointed the 4th Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore on 2 January 1985, succeeding veteran statesman S. Rajaratnam, another of Singapore's founding fathers. He served in this capacity until 1 September 1993, working closely under the then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, contributing to high-level policy formulation and national strategy.

The Landmark 1993 Presidential Election and His Principled Presidency

The year 1993 marked a watershed moment for Singapore's political landscape. Following a constitutional amendment in 1991 that transformed the Head of State role from an appointed to a popularly elected position, Ong Teng Cheong made the bold decision to resign from the People's Action Party and all his political appointments to contest the inaugural presidential election. This move was crucial to ensure his independence and impartiality, as required by the newly established framework for an elected presidency, and underscored the democratic intent of the new system. He emerged as the winning candidate in this historic election, subsequently being sworn in as the fifth President of Singapore.

During his six-year term, President Ong diligently exercised the powers vested in the Elected President, which notably include safeguarding the nation's substantial financial reserves and upholding the integrity of the public service. A significant example of his commitment to these constitutional duties was his persistent request for comprehensive financial information on Singapore's reserves, even when facing initial delays in obtaining it from the government. This resolute stance underscored his dedication to accountability and transparency in his crucial role as custodian of the nation's assets, setting an important precedent for future presidents. His term as President concluded in 1999.

Transition and Enduring Legacy

In 1999, Ong Teng Cheong opted not to seek a second term as president. This decision was deeply influenced, in part, by the declining health of his beloved wife, Madam Ling Siew May. She had faithfully served as Singapore's First Lady and sadly passed away shortly after the end of his presidential term. On 8 February 2002, at the age of 66, Ong Teng Cheong peacefully passed away in his sleep from lymphoma at the Singapore General Hospital. He left behind a powerful legacy as a principled public servant and a pioneering elected head of state who bravely championed the new constitutional role, setting the standard for the elected presidency in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ong Teng Cheong

Who was Ong Teng Cheong and what is his historical significance?

Ong Teng Cheong was a prominent Singaporean politician and architect who served as the fifth President of Singapore from 1993 to 1999. He holds a unique place in history as the first President of Singapore to be directly elected by popular vote, marking a significant transition in the nation's governance structure.

What was the importance of Ong Teng Cheong's presidency?

His presidency was monumental because he was the first to be popularly elected, introducing a new era of accountability for the Head of State. President Ong diligently exercised the constitutional powers of the Elected President, particularly in safeguarding national financial reserves and ensuring the integrity of the public service. His resolute demand for detailed information on the nation's financial assets exemplified his unwavering commitment to his custodial role and set a vital precedent.

Why did Ong Teng Cheong choose not to seek a second presidential term?

President Ong decided not to contest the 1999 presidential election, a decision significantly influenced by the deteriorating health of his wife, Madam Ling Siew May. She was battling cancer at the time and sadly passed away shortly after his presidential term concluded.

What key political roles did Ong Teng Cheong hold before becoming President?

Before his historic presidency, Ong Teng Cheong held several influential positions within the Singaporean government and the People's Action Party. These included serving as the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore (1985-1993), Minister for Manpower (1981-1983), and Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (1978-1981). He also served as the Chairman of the People's Action Party (1981-1993) and as a Member of Parliament for Kim Keat SMC and Toa Payoh GRC.