Singapore Considers Bill Allowing President and Ministers to Take on International Roles in Private Capacities

In a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, it has been suggested that the president and ministers should be allowed to assume roles in foreign and international organizations in their private capacities, if it is deemed to be in the national interest. This change could potentially enable individuals such as President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to continue holding positions in organizations like the World Economic Forum and Group of Thirty.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has highlighted that there are instances where the president and ministers are requested to take on important roles in foreign and international organizations. Accepting these positions could positively impact Singapore’s international standing and contribute to furthering the nation’s interests.

Presently, there are no explicit prohibitions in the law against ministers serving in private capacities in foreign and international organizations. Nevertheless, the proposed amendment seeks to establish a structured framework for ministers and the president to manage these roles effectively.

Under the proposed framework, it will be necessary for the Cabinet to advise the president on whether it is in the national interest for him to take on and uphold the office. The president, in turn, must concur with the Cabinet’s advice at his discretion. Furthermore, the Cabinet may also advise the president on refraining from certain actions or statements while performing the functions of the office.

In the case of ministers assuming such roles, the Prime Minister must determine it to be in the national interest for the minister to take on and maintain that office, and provide authorization for the minister to do so. The Prime Minister may also direct the minister on certain actions or statements while performing the functions of the office.

Ultimately, any acceptance or relinquishment of an office under this framework by the president or a minister must be published in the Government Gazette.

The Bill will undergo discussion during the next parliamentary sitting, and its potential approval could open up new opportunities for Singapore to strengthen its global presence and influence.

Source:
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/bill-proposes-to-allow-president-ministers-to-take-on-international-roles-in-private