Halimah’s presidency may have been controversial at first, but her impact on women’s rights and national unity leaves a lasting legacy.
SINGAPORE: In 2024, Singaporeans will look up to new portraits in public buildings. Gone will be the familiar image of President Halimah Yacob, the first woman to hold the position, replaced by a new face that will grace our institutions. With her announcement that she will not seek a second term, President Halimah closes a chapter that began with both excitement and controversy.
Her decision to step down after one term was shared in a Facebook post on May 29, where she reflected on her experiences and hinted that she would continue to contribute to the nation in other ways after leaving office. At 68 years old, Halimah has been in public service for decades, but it’s perhaps her time as president that has made her most memorable. While her tenure had its highs and lows, she undoubtedly made an impact.
A Controversial Start
From the moment she was appointed president, Halimah’s rise to power was shrouded in controversy. In 2016, the Singapore government made a contentious decision to reserve the presidency for the Malay community, a move many saw as limiting the democratic process. This change was widely interpreted as a political maneuver to sideline opposition candidates, particularly Dr. Tan Cheng Bock, who had come close to winning in 2011.
The ruling’s implications sparked protests, with public sentiment rising under the #NotMyPresident banner. Halimah’s position, while historic, was marred by questions regarding her eligibility. The former People’s Action Party (PAP) MP was of mixed heritage—her mother Malay and her father Indian—prompting discussions about her “Malayness.” Ultimately, the presidency became a walkover, with no opposition candidates running. While her election could have been a triumph of merit, the public never had the chance to fully validate her as president.
Women’s Advocate and Role Model
Despite the controversy surrounding her election, Halimah’s role as Singapore’s first female president brought a fresh perspective to an otherwise male-dominated political landscape. As president, she was an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and championed causes that had been overlooked in previous administrations. Her leadership on sensitive issues such as the rights of Muslim women to wear the tudung at work and advocating for harsher penalties for sex offenders was both timely and courageous.
Her leadership didn’t stop at policy statements. Halimah became the patron of over 40 organizations, including those supporting women and victims of domestic violence. She famously declared, “It’s not ok to treat women like dirtbags and punching bags,” emphasizing her commitment to gender equality. Her tenure saw the promotion of initiatives that aimed to improve the lives of women in Singapore, particularly in the workplace and in combating domestic abuse.
A Memorable Presidency
Despite a bumpy start, Halimah’s presidency was not without moments of levity and public connection. Perhaps one of the most iconic moments was when she visited the national swimming team’s training session in 2018. The scene, though awkward and chaotic, perfectly encapsulated her composure under pressure as she stood amidst a circle of athletes chanting and cheering. It was a humorous yet humanizing moment that many Singaporeans will remember fondly.
Halima’s presidency may not have been perfect, and her legacy will always be intertwined with the controversy of her unopposed election, but her efforts to push for women’s rights and make tangible changes for the betterment of Singapore’s society are significant. As she steps down from office, many Singaporeans can look back at her time as president with a sense of gratitude for her service, her advocacy, and her resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
