December 17, 2016, 11:14 AM 
Last month (Nov. 2016), Members of Parliament (MPs) passed the Bill to amend Singapore’s Constitution, which effected changes to our Elected Presidency (EP).
Among the changes were updates to the qualifying criteria for candidates to stand in the Presidential Election, and the creation of a mechanism to ensure that we will have an EP from a racial group from time to time, if there hasn’t been one from that particular community in a while.
The upcoming Presidential Election, due to be held on or before August 26, 2017, will be reserved for Malay candidates because our last Malay President was Yusof Ishak, 46 years ago.
Much has been said about the qualifying criteria for candidates and minority representation.
But what does our President do, really?
Singapore’s Head of State
As Singapore’s Head of State, the EP is to Singapore what the British Queen is like to the UK.
The role is a symbolic and ceremonial one that formally gives Singapore a human face. This means that the EP is a symbolic representation and representative of all Singaporeans regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation.
Unlike the prime minister (PM), ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs), however, the EP does not have policy-making and law-making powers. This also means that the EP cannot participate in debates or vote in Parliament.
Guardianship of Singapore's past reserves
The EP guards the use of Singapore's past reserves. He/she has the power to veto any budget or transaction proposed by the government, if he/she thinks that the budget/transaction will lead to the drawdown of Singapore's reserves.
Appointment and removal of key office holders in government organisations
The EP is empowered to veto any appointment or removal of key office holders in the public service and statutory boards. These key positions include the Chief Justice, Attorney-General, Auditor-General, and CEOs of statutory boards.
On the appointment of Ministers, the EP has no discretion and acts in accordance with the advice of the PM.
President Tony Tan officiating the swearing-in and re-appointment of Chao Hick Tin as Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court. Source: Tony Tan Facebook
ISA detention orders, CPIB investigations and restraining orders under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act
The EP's concurrence is required for the following matters:
- The continued detention of a person under the Internal Security Act (Act)
- The continued investigation of individuals by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB)
- Restraining orders made under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act
On the issue of Presidential Pardons of persons convicted of an offence, the EP acts in accordance with the Cabinet's advice.
Ceremonial roles and duties
As Singapore's Head of State, the EP officiates State events and ceremonies, such as the annual National Day Parade and the swearing-in ceremonies of the PM and the Cabinet.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="627"] The late President Wee Kim Wee officiating the swearing-in of Goh Chok Tong as Prime Minister in 1990. Source: NLB[/caption]
He/she also lays out the key challenges for each term of government, through a Presidential address delivered in Parliament.
Annually, the EP also confers the National Day Awards on the advice of the Cabinet.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
President Tony Tan conferring J. Y. Pillay with a National Day Award. Source[/caption]
Community roles and duties
The EP may lend support to social and charitable causes in the community and grace events organised by various community groups.
He/she also lends his/her name to various awards for excellence within the community, such as the Boys' Brigade President's Award.
Source: Tony Tan's Facebook
Foreign relations
In addition to the domestic role of uniting Singaporeans and supporting various community causes, the EP also plays a critical role in foreign relations.
This requires him/her to make State Visits to other countries to promote friendships and economic ties with them. He/She is also required to host foreign dignitaries when they visit Singapore.
President Tony Tan exchanging a toast with Emperor Akihito of Japan. Source: Tony Tan Facebook
All newly appointed foreign ambassadors are required to present their credentials to the EP before they assumed office in Singapore.
Related article:
Everything you need to know from PM Lee’s 24-page speech on Elected Presidency in 60 seconds
Everything you don’t need to know about the history of Elected Presidency in S’pore
Top photo from Tony Tan Facebook.
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