Wikipedia

Halimah Yacob

In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Yacob is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Halimah. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.

Halimah binti Yacob DUT[1] (born 23 August 1954) is a Singaporean politician and lawyer who served as the eighth president of Singapore from 2017 to 2023. She was the first female president in Singapore's history.[2][3]

Halimah Yacob
DUT
Halimah in 2019
8th President of Singapore
In office
14 September 2017 – 14 September 2023
Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong
Preceded byTony Tan
Succeeded byTharman Shanmugaratnam
Parliamentary offices
7th Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore
In office
14 January 2013 – 7 August 2017
DeputyCharles Chong
Seah Kian Peng
Lim Biow Chuan
Preceded byMichael Palmer
Succeeded byTan Chuan-Jin
Member of Parliament
for Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC
(Marsiling)
In office
11 September 2015 – 7 August 2017
Preceded byHawazi bin Daipi (PAP)
Succeeded byZaqy Mohamad (PAP)
Member of Parliament
for Jurong GRC
(Bukit Batok East)
In office
3 November 2001 – 24 August 2015
Preceded byConstituency established
Succeeded byRahayu Mahzam (PAP)
Junior ministerial offices
Minister of State for Social and Family Development
In office
1 November 2012 – 14 January 2013
MinisterChan Chun Sing
Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports
In office
21 May 2011 – 1 November 2012
MinisterChan Chun Sing
Personal details
Born (1954-08-23) 23 August 1954 (age 70)
Colony of Singapore
(present day Singapore)
Political partyIndependent
Other political
affiliations		People's Action Party (2001–2017)
Spouse
Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee
​
​
(m. 1980)​
Children5
Alma materUniversity of Singapore (LLB)
National University of Singapore (LLM)
Signature

A former member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), Halimah was the Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Bukit Batok East division of Jurong GRC between 2001 and 2015, and the Marsiling division of Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC between 2015 and 2017.[4][5] Halimah served as Speaker of Parliament from 2013 to 2017. She is the first female speaker in Singapore's history.

After a constitutional amendment made in 2017, the 2017 presidential election was specifically reserved for candidates from the Malay community. Halimah resigned from the PAP and became an independent—one of the qualifications needed to run for the presidency—and ran for the 2017 presidential election which she won in an uncontested election, after the other presidential hopefuls except for her did not meet the qualifications.

During her presidency, Halimah exercised presidential discretionary powers to approve emergency funding for Singapore's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also spoke in support of women's rights. She did not seek for a re-election in the 2023 presidential election. Her term ended on 13 September 2023 and was succeeded by Tharman Shanmugaratnam on the following day.

After her presidency, Halimah became the chancellor of Singapore University of Social Sciences from 1 October 2023.[6][7]

Early life and education

edit

Halimah was born on 23 August 1954 at her family home on Queen Street in Singapore during British colonial rule,[8] to an Indian father and Malay mother.[9][10] Her father was a watchman who died due to a heart attack when she was eight years old, leaving her and four siblings to be brought up by her mother.[11][12][13] Her family was in poverty at the time of her father's death, and she helped her mother to sell nasi padang outside the former Singapore Polytechnic (now Bestway Building) along Prince Edward Road.[14][15]

Halimah's educational background includes attending Singapore Chinese Girls' School and Tanjong Katong Girls' School.[15] She graduated from the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore (NUS)) in 1978 with a Bachelor of Laws and was called to the Singapore Bar in 1981. Halimah furthered her studies by earning a Master of Laws from NUS in 2001 and, in recognition of her contributions, received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from NUS in 2016.[16]

Trade unionist

edit

Halimah began her career in 1978 as a legal officer at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)[16] and was appointed director of its legal services department in 1992. She advanced within NTUC, holding roles such as Assistant Director of the Research Unit, Director of the Women's Development Secretariat,[17] and later as Executive Secretary of the United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries.[18][19] She also served as Assistant Secretary-General from 1999 to 2007 and Deputy Secretary-General from 2007 to 2011.[19][17] In 1999, Halimah became the director of the Singapore Institute of Labour Studies (now Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute).[20] She was later elected as the Workers' Vice-chairperson of the Standards Committee of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva from 2000 to 2002 and in 2005. Between 2003 and 2004, she was the Workers' Spokesperson for the ILC Committee on Human Resources Development and Training.[21]

Political career

edit

In 1993, Halimah served as one of the six assentors in Singapore's presidential election, supporting the successful candidate, Ong Teng Cheong.[22] Her formal entry into politics came with the 2001 general election, where she joined a five-member PAP team running for Jurong GRC, led by then-Minister Lim Boon Heng. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who would later succeed her as president, also made his political debut alongside her in this election. Halimah represented Bukit Batok East as a MP until 2015, after which she was elected to represent the newly-formed Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC.[23]

During her first term, Halimah was appointed Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports.[24] After a Cabinet reshuffle in November 2012,[25] she transitioned to serve as Minister of State for Social and Family Development.[24] In addition to her ministerial roles, Halimah was also the chairperson of the Jurong Town Council.[26] In January 2015, she was co-opted into the PAP's Central Executive Committee (CEC), the party's highest decision-making body.[27] Throughout her tenure as a MP, Halimah has been a vocal opponent of Islamic extremism, particularly condemning and distancing herself from the actions of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.[28][29][30]

On 8 January 2013, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong nominated Halimah to succeed Michael Palmer as speaker of the parliament following the latter's resignation after he was revealed to have had an extramarital affair.[31] She was elected speaker on 14 January 2013, the first woman to hold the post in Singapore's history.[32] She led a legislative delegation to Mexico, where she embodied Singapore's principles of ethnic peace and meritocracy.[33]

2017 presidential election

edit

Speculation and announcement

edit

While speaking during the debate on the Presidential Elections Amendment Bill on 6 February 2017, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing addressed Halimah as "Madam President" twice instead of "Madam Speaker", drawing laughter from the PAP MPs[34][35] and leading to widespread speculation that Halimah would be the party's preferred candidate for the reserved presidential elections.[36][37]

On 6 August 2017, Halimah announced that she would be stepping down as speaker of parliament and MP of Marsiling–Yew Tee the next day to run for the presidency in the 2017 presidential election,[38][39][33] which was reserved for members of the Malay community.[40] She was widely viewed as the PAP's candidate for the election, and was endorsed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.[41]

In an interview published on 11 August 2017, Halimah gave her views on the reserved presidential election. She said that it "shows we don't only talk about multiracialism, but we talk about it in the context of meritocracy or opportunities for everyone, and we actually practise it". Although some commentators have felt that the reserved election did not promote meritocracy, Halimah rejected that view, as she described, "All candidates have to qualify ... If we weaken eligibility criteria for those taking part in a reserved election, yes, then we are compromising meritocracy for representation. We are not - the same criteria apply to everybody". Regarding commentators who have questioned the lower qualifying bar for public sector candidates like herself, Halimah said, "It is an open, transparent system ... has been in place since 1991".[42]

Campaign

edit

On 25 August 2017, Halimah launched her official campaign website, including her campaign slogan "Do Good Do Together", which was criticised by many for being ungrammatical. She defended her slogan, explaining that it is meant to be catchy.[43] In response to public queries whether Halimah broke election rules by campaigning ahead of the nomination day, the Elections Department clarified that its rule which forbids candidates from campaigning before close of nomination only applies to candidates who are nominated.[44]

Halimah's campaign expenses reached only $220,875 out of the $754,982.40 legal limit. Her expenses were used for promotional material, room rental, office supplies, food, transport and phone bills.[45] Queries were also raised regarding Halimah's long affiliation with the PAP and perceived lack of political independence as she quit the party just one month ago to campaign in the election. Halimah responded by comparing herself to former President Ong Teng Cheong, who was also a PAP member before being elected.[46] She also cited that she had abstained from voting in an amendment for the Human Organ Transplant Act in 2007.[47]

Former NMP Calvin Cheng suggested that Halimah does not appear to have the professional experience needed to manage the financial reserves.[48] According to Publichouse.sg's estimate, her financial management involvement is only about $40 million, much less than the stringent $500 million shareholders’ equity requirement for private sector candidates.[49]

Election

edit

Being the only candidate to be issued a Certificate of Eligibility, Halimah became the eighth President of Singapore.[50] Tan Cheng Bock, a former presidential candidate, wrote that Halimah "will occupy the most controversial presidency in the history of Singapore."[51] The Economist described her as "popular and able".[52]

Reactions

edit

On 13 September 2017, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) filed a lawsuit in the High Court against the PAP government for refusing to call a by-election in Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC following Halimah's resignation from her post as the sole minority MP in her constituency.[53] Her sudden resignation as the sole minority MP in Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC has sparked opposition calls for a by-election. In response to the PAP government's refusal to hold a by-election, resident Wong Souk Yee filed a lawsuit, with a hearing set for 15 January 2018.[54] In a court hearing conducted on 23 January 2018, Wong's lawyer, Peter Low, argued that the Parliamentary Elections Act should be interpreted such that all MPs of the group representation constituency have to leave their spots when one or more seats are left empty, or when only one remaining MP is a minority candidate. He cited Article 49 (1) of the Constitution, which states that when "the seat of a Member… has become vacant for any reason other than a dissolution of Parliament, the vacancy shall be filled by election" to support his argument.[55]

After the Elections Department announced that Halimah was the only possible candidate for the presidency, global media monitoring house Meltwater observed a significant increase in negative sentiment on social media surrounding the presidential elections from 11 to 12 September 2017. The data shows 83% of negative sentiment and 17% of positive sentiment.[56] Following the announcement, a number of Singaporeans began using the hashtag #NotMyPresident on Facebook and Twitter to voice their disappointment.[57][58][59] In response, The Straits Times reported that there was the use of #halimahismypresident by an "equally vocal group", urging "Singaporeans to rally round their next president".[59]

Halimah's decision to remain staying in her public housing HDB flat at Yishun raised security concerns.[60] On 2 October 2017, Halimah accepted the government's decision to move her out of her Yishun flat to a more secure location. The government keeps track on the residence and security arrangements for her as well.[61]

Presidency (2017–2023)

edit
 
President Halimah Yacob at the inauguration of the South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, 10 May 2022

Halimah was sworn on 14 September 2017 as the president of Singapore at The Istana.[62] She was ex officio appointed Chancellor of the NUS[63] the Nanyang Technological University[64]

Halimah made her first state visit as president to Brunei on 11 May 2018, where she witnessed the signing of a financial technology agreement and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to exchange information related to money laundering and terrorist financing between Singapore and Brunei.[65] At the invitation of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Halimah was the first president of Singapore to visit the Netherlands since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries on 7 December 1965.[66] The visit took place from 20 to 24 November 2018.[67]

In September 2019, Halimah oversaw the signing of eight memorandums with the Philippines, allowing Singaporean companies and small and medium-sized enterprises to expand in the areas of data protection, science and technology and skills training and development of human resources.[68][69] Later that same year, she would be Singapore's first President to conduct a State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.[70] It was during this visit that she would be conferred the Collar of the Order of King Abdulaziz.[71] Prior to the visit to Saudi Arabia, she was in Kuwait for a state visit.[72]

In 2023, Halimah conducted several overseas visits as well. Notably to Malaysia[73] and Qatar,[74] which would be her last as President. In the visit to Malaysia in particular, Halimah was accorded a tree planting ceremony which is usually only for the rulers of each state in Malaysia when they visit Malaysia's Istana Negara.[75]

On 29 May 2023, Halimah announced that she would not be seeking re-election in the 2023 presidential election. Her term expired on 13 September and she was succeeded by ninth president Tharman Shanmugaratnam on 14 September.[76]

Advocate for gender equality

edit

In 2019, Halimah advocated for companies to embrace gender equality, noting that it will increase innovation and business profitability during her speech at the Women's Forum Asia.[77] She had also publicly voiced her views about a local podcast, OkLetsGo, for their offensive remarks against women and asked the hosts of the show for an apology for their remarks.[78][79]

COVID-19 response

edit

In April 2020, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore, Halimah approved her in-principle for the government's request to draw S$21 billion from the past national reserves, aimed at subsidising wages of 1.9 million workers and preserving jobs and businesses.[80] On 7 April 2020, the Supplementary Supply Bill was revised for the Resilience and Solidarity Budgets and the revised bill was asserted by Halimah on 9 April 2020.[81] On 5 June 2020, the Parliament of Singapore passed the Second Supplementary Supply Bill for the Fortitude Budget, to allow for the government to draw an additional of S$31 billion from the past reserves, aimed at securing employment for those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic as the country loosens restrictions after the circuit breaker.[82]

On 16 June 2020, Halimah assented to the Second Supplementary Supply Bill, which enacted the Second Supplementary Supply Act, to allow the government the additional requested funds to ease the effects of the pandemic. This marks the second time that the past reserves of Singapore were drawn in the financial year of 2020 and it was also the largest amount drawn from the past reserves since Singapore's independence, with the funds totalling S$52 billion. She was the 2nd president to exercise the President's discretionary powers for this purpose, after President S. R. Nathan in 2009 for the financial crisis of 2007–2008.[83]

Personal life

edit

Halimah is married to Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee,[84][85] of Arab descent,[86] and they have five children.[87] Mohammed graduated from NUS with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. It was also where he first met Halimah.[88]

Although Halimah is categorised as an Indian Muslim due to her father's descent,[9][11] she ran for the 2017 presidential election as a Malay candidate and identifies herself as a Malay Muslim.[13][89]

After being sworn in as president, she was known to be the first president residing in a HDB flat. Her flat was a duplex in Yishun, consisting of one 5-room flat and one 4-room flat joined by demolishing the median wall.[87] Halimah previously stated that she would not be moving out of her HDB flat during her term in office.[90] On 2 October 2017, however, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that she would be moving out of the public housing apartment, due to security threats identified by security agencies.[91][92]

Awards and honours

edit

Honours

edit

On 22 May 2023, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Halimah the Order of Friendship 1st class.[93] Later on 29 October 2023, she was awarded the Order of Temasek (with high distinction) for serving Singapore with distinction over four decades and for her lifetime of devoted and distinguished service.[94]

National

Foreign

Awards

edit

In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Berita Harian Achiever of the Year Award in 2001,[95] the Her World Woman of the Year Award in 2003,[96] and the AWARE Heroine Award 2011.[97]

She was also inducted into the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations' Singapore Women's Hall of Fame in 2014.[98]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Singapore's former President Halimah Yacob awarded nation's highest civilian honour". Channel NewsAsia. 25 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  2. ^ "PM Lee accepts Halimah Yacob's resignation from the PAP". Channel NewsAsia. 7 August 2017. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  3. ^ "Halimah Yacob named Singapore's first female president". Al Jazeera. 13 September 2017. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  4. ^ U-Wen, Lee. "Halimah Yacob declared president-elect after walkover victory". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  5. ^ "Who is Halimah Yacob, Singapore's first female President?". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  6. ^ "Former president Halimah Yacob named as new SUSS chancellor". The Straits Times. 25 September 2023.
  7. ^ "SUSS Welcomes Former President of Singapore Madam Halimah Yacob as Chancellor". Singapore University of Social Sciences. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  8. ^ Lam, Lydia (11 September 2017). "Halimah Yacob set to be Singapore's first female president: A timeline of her career". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 25 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  9. ^ a b Long, Susan (25 January 2013). "New Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob tells Susan Long how she went from selling pushcart nasi padang and almost getting expelled from school to one of the highest offices in the land". The Straits Times.
  10. ^ Low, Patrick Kim Cheng (2018). Leading successfully in Asia (2nd ed.). Cham: Springer International. ISBN 9783319713472.
  11. ^ a b Rajan, Uma (28 June 2016). "To Singapore with Love...". In Pillai, Gopinath & Kesavapany, Krishnasamy (eds.). 50 Years of Indian Community in Singapore. World Scientific Publishing Co. p. 107. ISBN 978-9-813-14058-5. Archived from the original on 18 February 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2017. Notable female politicians include Dhanam Avadai, PAP Member for Moulmein (1965–1968), lawyer Indranee Rajah, the current Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Education, and Indian-origin politician Halimah Yacob, former Minister and current Speaker of Parliament.
  12. ^ Cheam, Jessica (10 January 2013). "A strong advocate for workers, women and minorities". The Straits Times. Singapore. Archived from the original on 21 July 2017. Retrieved 21 July 2017. Her Indian-Muslim father was a watchman who died when she was eight years old.
  13. ^ a b Tham, Yuen-C (17 July 2017). "More consultation needed before my decision to run for president: Halimah Yacob". The Straits Times. Singapore. Archived from the original on 17 July 2017. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  14. ^ Chang, Clarence (25 October 2006). "I feared for my life". New Paper. Factiva.
  15. ^ a b Mokhtar, Faris (18 August 2017). "Mom's the inspiration for former Speaker". Today. Archived from the original on 14 November 2018. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  16. ^ a b "H.E. HALIMAH YACOB". Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  17. ^ a b Koh, Valerie (6 August 2017). "Mdm Halimah, Singapore's first woman Speaker, could make history again". TODAYonline. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  18. ^ Yong, Charissa (4 August 2017). "Homecoming for Halimah Yacob at union's dinner and dance". The Straits Times. Singapore. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 8 August 2017. The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries dinner and dance on Friday night (Aug 4) was a homecoming of sorts for Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob. She was its executive secretary from 2004 to 2011, and is now advisor to the 60,000-strong union.
  19. ^ a b "Portrait of Madam Halimah Yacob, Head of Legal Department in National Trades Union Congress". National Library Board. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  20. ^ Zainul Abidin bin Rasheed; Saat, Norshahril (2016). Majulah!: 50 Years of Malay/Muslim Community in Singapore. World Scientific. ISBN 9789814759885. Archived from the original on 6 July 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  21. ^ "Mdm Halimah Yacob appointed NTUC Advisor for Int'l Affairs". National Trades Union Congress Press Release. Singapore. 15 January 2013. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  22. ^ CNA (21 August 2024). "The role of Singapore's Elected President". YouTube. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  23. ^ Ong, Justin (21 August 2015). "PAP unveils lineup for new Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  24. ^ a b "Mdm Halimah Yacob". Parliament of Singapore. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  25. ^ "Singapore reshuffles Cabinet". Channel NewsAsia. 31 July 2012. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  26. ^ "Jurong Town Council's Audited Financial Statements, Auditors' Reports and Annual Report For FY2010/2011" (PDF). 8 August 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 August 2017.
  27. ^ "Four more co-opted into PAP central executive committee". TODAYonline. 7 January 2015. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  28. ^ Chong, Zi Liang (22 November 2015). "The Sunday Times - Counter ISIS ideology on social media: Halimah". The Straits Times. Singapore. Archived from the original on 19 April 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  29. ^ Heng, Janice (25 December 2016). "Build community ties to guard against terror: Halimah". The Straits Times. Singapore. Archived from the original on 25 December 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  30. ^ Wong, Pei Ting (16 June 2017). "Keep a close watch on daughters too, as IS not just targeting men: Halimah". Today. Singapore. Archived from the original on 7 January 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  31. ^ Saad, Imelda (8 January 2013). "PM Lee to nominate Halimah Yacob as next Speaker of Parliament". ChannelNewsAsia. Archived from the original on 15 February 2013.
  32. ^ Saad, Imelda (8 January 2013). "PM Lee to nominate Halimah Yacob as next Speaker of Parliament". Channel News Asia. Singapore. Archived from the original on 11 January 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2017. If elected, she will be Singapore's first woman Speaker and will fill the post vacated by former Member of Parliament, Mr Michael Palmer, who stepped down last month due to an extramarital affair.
  33. ^ a b Sim, Royston (7 August 2017). "Halimah Yacob steps down as Speaker and MP, resigns from PAP to run for President". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  34. ^ Teoh, Hannah (6 February 2017). "Sylvia Lim, Chan Chun Sing spar over issue of first elected president". Yahoo News Singapore. Archived from the original on 12 December 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  35. ^ "No by-election if minority MP leaves GRC, says Chun Sing". The Straits Times. 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 22 July 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  36. ^ Tan, Clement (14 February 2017). "To preserve social harmony, Singapore has racial requirements for its next president". Quartz. Archived from the original on 12 December 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  37. ^ Massita, Ahmad (9 February 2017). "Singapore may create history having first Malay female president". The Star. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  38. ^ Tham, Yuen-C (6 August 2017). "Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob to run for President in coming election". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  39. ^ "Halimah Yacob announces bid to be Singapore's next President". Channel NewsAsia. 6 August 2017. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  40. ^ Yong, Charissa (8 November 2016). "Parliament: 2017 presidential election will be reserved for Malay candidates, says PM Lee". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  41. ^ Siau, Ming En (7 August 2017). "Halimah will bring dignity, warmth to presidency if elected: PM". Today. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  42. ^ Hussain, Zakir (11 August 2017). "Reserved presidential election affirms Singapore's core values: Halimah Yacob". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 12 December 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  43. ^ Koh, Valerie (30 August 2017). "'Do Good Do Together' catchy, easy to understand: Halimah". Today. Archived from the original on 24 April 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
  44. ^ "PE2017: Election Dept Clears Halimah Yacob of Breaking No Campaigning before Nomination Day Rule". RedWire Times. 30 August 2017. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  45. ^ hermesauto (7 October 2017). "President Halimah Yacob's campaign spent $220,875". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 13 November 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  46. ^ Yong, Nicholas (29 August 2017). "PE2017 - Look at my credentials, not my past affiliations: Halimah Yacob". Yahoo News. Archived from the original on 29 March 2019. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  47. ^ Kotwani, Monica (29 August 2017). "'I do not serve any political party': Halimah Yacob talks about her independence, unveils Presidential campaign slogan". CNA. Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  48. ^ Cheow Pong, Chan (17 July 2017). "Ex-NMP Calvin Cheng: Halimah Yacob should not run for President". Mothership. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  49. ^ "Candidates with more finance experience than Halimah Yacob disqualified". Publichouse.sg. 12 September 2017. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  50. ^ "Halimah Yacob set to be next President after other potential candidates fail to qualify". CNA. 11 September 2017. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  51. ^ Lee, Vernon (13 September 2017). "Tan Cheng Bock: Halimah Yacob to assume the 'most controversial presidency' in Singapore's history". Yahoo News Singapore. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  52. ^ "Only one Singaporean is fit to be president". The Economist. 13 September 2017. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  53. ^ Teoh, Hannah (19 October 2016). "PE 2017: SDP suing government for not calling by-election". Yahoo News Singapore. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  54. ^ "Court Hearing on By-Election for Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC to Be Held in Jan 2018". 13 November 2017. Archived from the original on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  55. ^ "SDP's Legal Challenge Calling for By-Election in Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC Heard in Court". RedWire Times. 22 January 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  56. ^ Tay, Vivienne (12 September 2017). "Online sentiments surrounding Halimah Yacob's presidential walkover". Marketing-Interactive. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  57. ^ Lee, Vernon (11 September 2017). "PE 2017: PEC decision on Halimah Yacob's eligibility sparks #notmypresident hashtag". Archived from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  58. ^ "#NotMyPresident starts trending in Singapore after elections confirmed to be a walkover | Coconuts Singapore". Coconuts Singapore. 11 September 2017. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  59. ^ a b Yong, Charissa (12 September 2017). "Social media abuzz over Halimah Yacob's presidential walkover". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  60. ^ Yuen-C, Tham; Seow, Joanna (14 September 2017). "Halimah wants to continue living in her HDB flat". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 18 December 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  61. ^ "President Halimah Yacob to move out of Yishun HDB flat: MHA". CNA. 2 October 2017. Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  62. ^ Yuen-C, Tham (13 September 2017). "Halimah Yacob to be sworn in as Singapore's 8th president on Thursday: PMO". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 17 December 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  63. ^ Bei Yi, Seow (14 November 2017). "NUS welcomes President Halimah Yacob as new chancellor". The Straits Times. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  64. ^ "New NTU Chancellor visits campus". Nanyang Technological University. 11 September 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  65. ^ "Singapore, Brunei ink pacts to boost cooperation in finance". The Strait Times. 12 May 2018. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020 – via The Business Times.
  66. ^ "State visit by the President of Singapore". NetherlandsWorldwide. 11 September 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  67. ^ "MFA Press Statement: State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 20 to 24 November 2018". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore. 19 November 2018. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  68. ^ "Singapore, Philippines ink agreements on education, infrastructure and personal data protection". CNA. 9 September 2019. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  69. ^ "State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to the Republic of the Philippines". The Istana, President of Singapore. 7 September 2019. Archived from the original on 12 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  70. ^ Koh, Fabian (2 November 2019). "President Halimah to make Singapore's first state visit to Saudi Arabia". The Straits Times. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  71. ^ a b "President Halimah conferred Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour". The Straits Times. 6 November 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2024 – via The Business Times.
  72. ^ "State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to the State of Kuwait from 3 to 4 November 2019". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore. 4 November 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  73. ^ "State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to Malaysia, 20 to 22 March 2023". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore. 22 March 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  74. ^ "State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to the State of Qatar, 19 to 22 June 2023". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  75. ^ Yan Han, Goh (22 March 2023). "Much scope for Singapore and Malaysia to expand cooperation: President Halimah". The Straits Times. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  76. ^ "President Halimah Yacob will not stand for re-election in 2023 poll". CNA. 29 May 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  77. ^ Yun Ting, Choo (18 September 2019). "Gender equality and women leaders benefit companies and society: President Halimah". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  78. ^ Yacob, Halimah (15 June 2020). "Halimah Yacob's Facebook post to Okletsgo". Facebook. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  79. ^ Awang, Nabilah (15 June 2020). "President Halimah Yacob calls on Okletsgo hosts to apologise to all women for misogynistic comments". Today. Archived from the original on 10 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  80. ^ Lai, Linette (8 April 2020). "Singapore sets aside $60 billion for the fight against coronavirus: DPM Heng". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  81. ^ Ho, Grace (9 April 2020). "President Halimah assents to draw on $21 billion from past reserves for historic Resilience and Solidarity Budgets". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  82. ^ Mohan, Matthew (26 May 2020). "S$33b Fortitude Budget aimed at providing jobs, supporting workers and firms through 'difficult period' of COVID-19". Channel News Asia. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  83. ^ Ho, Grace (16 June 2020). "Coronavirus: President Halimah gives assent to additional $33b in support packages". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  84. ^ Tham, Yuen-C (17 July 2017). "More consultation needed before my decision to run for president: Halimah Yacob". Straits Times. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  85. ^ Mohamad Salleh, Nur Asyiqin (29 August 2017). "Halimah Yacob unveils presidential election campaign slogan and team". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  86. ^ "Getting to know Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee, husband of Madam Halimah Yacob". Thoughts of Real Singaporeans. 11 June 2017. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  87. ^ a b Zhang, Laura (8 August 2017). "Our First Gentleman to be, Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee". The Independent Singapore. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
  88. ^ Zhang, Laura (8 August 2017). "Our First Gentleman to be, Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee". The Independent Singapore. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  89. ^ "Halimah Yacob named Singapore's first female president". Al Jazeera. 14 September 2017. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  90. ^ "Halimah wants to continue living in her HDB flat". The Straits Times. 14 September 2017. Archived from the original on 15 July 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  91. ^ "President Halimah to move out from Yishun residence to a new location". 2 October 2017. Archived from the original on 27 February 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  92. ^ Tian Tian, Ang (3 October 2017). "President Halimah to move out of Yishun flat". The New Paper. Archived from the original on 15 July 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  93. ^ a b "Tokayev awards President Halimah Yacob of Singapore with 1st-degree Dostyk Order". "Kazinform" International News Agency. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  94. ^ a b Shafeeq, Syarafana (30 October 2023). "Former president Halimah Yacob awarded Order of Temasek for lifetime of devoted, distinguished service". The Straits Times.
  95. ^ "Cultural Ambassador is Berita Harian Achiever of the Year 2009". Singapore Press Holdings. 29 July 2009. Archived from the original on 25 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2011.
  96. ^ "Her World Woman of the Year celebrates 20 years". Her World. 25 March 2011. Archived from the original on 30 December 2016. Retrieved 21 May 2011.
  97. ^ "Recipients of AWARE Awards 2011". Association of Women for Action and Research. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  98. ^ "Halimah Yacob, trade unionist and first woman Speaker of Parliament". Singapore Women's Hall of Fame. Singapore Council of Women's Organisations. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Halimah Yacob.
 
Wikiquote has quotations related to Halimah Yacob.
Political offices
Preceded by Speaker of Parliament
2013 – 2017 		Succeeded by
Preceded by President of Singapore
2017 – 2023 		Succeeded by
Parliament of Singapore
New constituency Member of Parliament for
Jurong GRC (Bukit Batok East)
2001 – 2015 		Succeeded by
New constituency Member of Parliament for
Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC (Marsiling)
2015 – 2017 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Halimah_Yacob&oldid=1253658585"