Mr Tharman then inspected the guard of honour, accompanied by the Prime Minister. The five contingents this year include a new Digital and Intelligence Service, in addition to the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police.
The President-elect then entered the State Room of the Istana for the swearing-in ceremony, attended by about 200 guests including ministers, Members of Parliament and diplomats.
In response to media queries about Mdm Ho Ching’s absence at Mdm Halimah’s farewell reception on Wednesday and Mr Tharman’s inauguration, the Prime Minister’s press secretary said that “Mrs Lee is recovering from a respiratory infection so she was not able to attend the functions these two days”.
The national anthem was played a second time in the State Room after everyone had taken their places.
