Two contenders hope Halimah serves Singapore well

SINGAPORE: Two potential candidates for the post of Singapore President hope Halimah Yacob will serve the nation well since she has been declared President-elect.
"I wish Mdm (Madam) Halimah Yacob all the best, and I hope she will have the people of Singapore in her thoughts when making any decision that will affect our lives and the lives of our children," said Farid Khan Kaim Khan in his Facebook today.
The Bourbon Offshore Asia Pacific chairman noted that he would continue to do his part to serve his country.
"Although I was looking forward for a contest, but with a heavy heart and great disappointment, I accept the decision of the PEC (Presidential Elections Committee) disqualifying me from participating in the (EP) Elected Presidency," he said.
Halimah will be Singapore's first female president and first Malay head of state in 47 years.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salleh Marican reportedly said he believed Halimah would be a "unifying president".
"This has been a divisive run-up to the nomination for president," the founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Second Chance Properties Ltd was quoted as saying.
"I hope Mdm Halimah will heal the wounds," he said.
Earlier today, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong via his Facebook, thanked Mohamed Salleh and Farid Khan for offering themselves as candidates.
Halimah will be sworn in on Thursday as the eighth president of Singapore at the Istana, marking the start of her six-year term. — Bernama