Maximilien Sully vs Sellapan Ramanathan

Sully was appointed Superintendent of Finances by Henry IV. He implemented reforms to reduce corruption, increase revenue, and pay off the royal debt, restoring France's financial stability after the Wars of Religion.

Sully introduced the Paulette, an annual tax that allowed officeholders to bequeath their positions. This stabilized royal finances and created a hereditary bureaucracy, but also entrenched venality of office.

Sully oversaw the construction of the Canal de Briare, linking the Loire and Seine rivers. This canal facilitated trade and transport, boosting the French economy and serving as a model for future canal projects.

Sully published his memoirs, the Royal Economies, detailing his financial reforms and service under Henry IV. The work became a key source for understanding French state-building in the early 17th century.

Nathan served as Director of the Internal Security Department (ISD) from 1966 to 1971. He oversaw security operations during Singapore's early years, including the handling of communist threats.

Nathan served as Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia from 1988 to 1990. He played a key role in managing bilateral relations during a period of tension over water and territorial issues.

Sellapan Ramanathan (S. R. Nathan) was elected as the sixth President of Singapore in September 1999. He won a by-election after Ong Teng Cheong's resignation and served two terms until 2011.

Nathan was re-elected as President in 2005 without a contest, as no other candidate qualified. He served a second term until 2011, focusing on social cohesion and charitable causes.