September 02, 2023, 03:40 PM
On Sep. 2, president-elect Tharman Shanmugaratnam travelled around Singapore for a victory lap after last night’s triumph.
Here's what went down on his Tour de Singapore (covering the west, north, east and central regions, in that order):
West: Taman Jurong Food Centre
Tharman and his wife, Jane Ittogi, began their victory lap at Taman Jurong Food Centre, which he previously said was his favourite spot in Singapore. Photo by Andrew Koay.
The former Jurong MP was mobbed a second time. He had previously arrived at the food centre yesterday night, to massive fanfare from supporters waiting for the election results. Photo by Andrew Koay
Accompanying him was Ittogi, who has been a constant, cheerful presence throughout his campaign. Photo by Andrew Koay.
His supporters arrived in droves bearing pineapples. The pineapple was his campaign symbol, which Tharman chose as its Hokkien name — "ong lai" — is a homonym for "fortune comes". Photo by Andrew Koay.
He also took photos and greeted members of the public who had turned up to celebrate. One witty supporter told him: "Mr Tharman, you put the Tharman in Taman Jurong." Photo by Andrew Koay.
North: Marsiling Mall Hawker Centre
More pineapple-bearing supporters at Marsiling Mall, posing for a photo with the new First couple. Photo by Andrew Koay.
MP for the Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad, also turned up with his wife in celebratory red. Photo by Andrew Koay.
Departing in his good old maroon Toyota. Photo by Andrew Koay.
East: Our Tampines Hub
Journey to the East. Tharman was greeted with a long line of supporters hoping to greet the new president-elect. Photo by Andrew Koay.
He was also joined by a group of National Servicemen preparing for their Passing Out Parade (POP). Photo by Andrew Koay.
Posing with instrument-bearing students from the Hwa Chong Institution Military Band. Both Tharman and his wife are proponents of the arts: the former is a published poet and plays the piano, while the latter champions the arts and the plight of the disadvantaged. Photo by Andrew Koay.
Central: Toa Payoh HDB Hub
Arriving at his last stop of the day: Toa Payoh HDB Hub, in Central Singapore. Photo by Andrew Koay.
There, he addressed the media about his feelings on the election outcome and his plans for the weeks ahead. "I was surprised by the margin of victory. I hadn't expected such remarkable unity and I think it's a real positive for Singapore," he said. Photo by Andrew Koay.
All eyes on him. Photo by Andrew Koay.
All photos by Andrew Koay.
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