Ong Teng Cheong: The Fifth President of Singapore

Introduction

Ong Teng Cheong (1936-2002) was the fifth President of Singapore, serving from 1993 to 1999. He was the country's first popularly elected President, having won the 1993 presidential election by a narrow margin.

Early Life and Career

Born on 22 January 1936, Ong was the eldest child of six siblings. He grew up in a modest family in Singapore's Chinatown. After graduating from the Chinese High School, he attended the University of Singapore, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1962.

After completing his legal studies, Ong worked as a lawyer for several years. In 1970, he entered politics by contesting the Telok Blangah by-election. He won the election and became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the People's Action Party (PAP).

Political Career

During his time in Parliament, Ong held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Communications (1972-1977), Minister for National Development (1977-1981), and Minister for Trade and Industry (1981-1985). He was also appointed Second Deputy Prime Minister in 1985.

In the mid-1980s, Ong emerged as a key figure in the leadership transition within the PAP. He was seen as a pragmatic and progressive leader who could connect with the younger generation. In 1992, he was appointed the country's first Deputy Prime Minister after the resignation of Goh Chok Tong.

Presidency

In 1993, the Singaporean government announced the introduction of a popularly elected presidency, replacing the previous system of appointment by Parliament. Ong was nominated as a candidate for the presidency by the PAP.

The 1993 presidential election was a closely contested race, with Ong facing strong competition from two other candidates: Chua Kim Yeow and Lien Ying Chow. Ong ultimately emerged victorious, winning the election by a narrow margin of 54.7% to 45.3%.

As President, Ong played an active role in promoting Singapore's economic and social development. He initiated several initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and he also established the People's Association Community Development Councils (PA CDCs) to provide support and services to local communities.

Ong's presidency was also marked by a number of controversies. In 1994, he was criticized for his decision to veto the amendments to the Elected President (EP) Scheme, which would have expanded the powers of the President. He was also criticized for his involvement in the Independent Committee of Inquiry into the Inward Look-Outward Policy, which was accused of being biased against certain ethnic groups in Singapore.

Legacy

Ong Teng Cheong's legacy as President is mixed. He was a popular figure who connected with the common man, but he was also criticized for his handling of certain issues. Despite these controversies, he is remembered for his contributions to Singapore's political development and his efforts to promote economic and social progress.

Timeline of Ong Teng Cheong's Career

Table 1: Ong Teng Cheong's Ministerial Positions

Table 2: Ong Teng Cheong's Presidential Election Results

Table 3: Ong Teng Cheong's Key Initiatives

Tips and Tricks

• When writing about Ong Teng Cheong, it is important to highlight his role as the first popularly elected President of Singapore.
• Be sure to mention his key initiatives, such as the establishment of the People's Association Community Development Councils (PA CDCs) and the launch of the Economic Development Board (EDB) 21st Century Fund.
• When discussing his legacy, consider both his contributions to Singapore's political development and the controversies that he faced.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not confuse Ong Teng Cheong with the other Presidents of Singapore.
• Do not oversimplify his legacy. Ong Teng Cheong was a complex figure who played a significant role in Singapore's political development.
• Do not ignore the controversies that he faced. It is important to be objective and balanced when writing about Ong Teng Cheong.

Why Matters

Ong Teng Cheong's presidency marked a significant turning point in Singapore's political history. He was the first popularly elected President, and he played a key role in promoting Singapore's economic and social development. His legacy is complex and controversial, but he remains an important figure in Singapore's political history.

How Benefits

• Readers will gain a better understanding of Ong Teng Cheong's life and career.
• Readers will learn about the key initiatives that he introduced as President.
• Readers will be able to evaluate Ong Teng Cheong's legacy in a more informed way.

Call to Action

• Encourage readers to learn more about Ong Teng Cheong's presidency.
• Invite readers to share their thoughts on his legacy.
• Suggest that readers visit the National Library of Singapore to learn more about Singapore's political history.