J Y Pillay, an Indian-origin veteran civil servant, on Friday appointed as acting president of Singapore. JY Pillay who is 83 took this charge from Tony Tan Keng who completed a six-year- term on Thursday. JY Pillay took over the charge until the next polling day it will be on 23 September.
This is the first time ever that office has fallen vacant since the elected presidency was introduced in 1991. JY Pillay has been the acting president every time whenever the president goes on an overseas trip.
He has served for more than 60 at a stretch - the longest period of which was 16 days in April and May of the year 2007. The election which is going to be held on 23 September in which three candidates of Malay origins are expected to stand out for the election for the president's post.
However, Pillay has served 34 years as a top-ranking civil servant and an entrepreneur and he is popular for his contribution. He is one of the pioneers who helped build the Singapore economy after its separation from Malaysia in 1965.
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