Singapore's Halimah Yacob prepares to run for president

Halimah Yacob today resigned as Singapore Speaker of Parliament and an MP to run for president next month.

The MP for the Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency (GRC) last night confirmed that she would contest in the election for president, which this time has been reserved for a Malay candidate.

"This morning, I resigned as Speaker of Parliament, Member of Parliament for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC and as a member of the People's Action Party," Halimah said in her latest post on her Facebook page.

In the post, she also appended her letter of resignation to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who is also the secretary-general of the PAP.

Halimah wrote that she will also cease to be a member of the PAP Central Executive Committee, chairperson of the PAP Seniors' Group (PAP. SG) and chairperson of the PAP Marsiling branch.

She conveyed her heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to her parliamentary colleagues and members of the party for "their unstinting support and friendship, and for working together to make Singapore an even better home for our people".

"I would also like to thank Singaporeans for their strong support and encouragement. I am deeply humbled and honoured that Singaporeans from all walks of life have asked me to consider running for the elected presidency.

"I promise not let you down and I look forward to continue serving you," she said.

The Straits Times newspaper reported that Halimah had also sent another letter to Deputy Speaker Charles Chong, asking him to lead the House until a new Speaker is elected.

As for her seat in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong reportedly said on Sunday that he and the other MPs in the GRC - Alex Yam and Ong Teng Koon - will fill in to serve residents in her ward.

-- BERNAMA