Important to understand President’s role

Important to understand President’s role: S. Jayakumar By Faris Mokhtar | SingaporeScene - 9 hours ago

Former senior minister S. Jayakumar says it is important to understand the role of the President so as not to have any misguided expectations. Speaking to the media on Thursday after the launch of his new book, Diplomacy - A Singapore Experience, he also emphasised on the president's legal limits. "I am a bit surprised and disappointed over some of the statements and claims made by some of the would-be candidates about what they intend to do if they get elected," said Professor Jayakumar. These statements, he noted, implied that they thought the President was "a centre of power unto himself, distinct from the government of the day", and had "certain executive powers",

The Straits Times reported. As former Law Minister, Prof Jayakumar had been closely involved in the drafting of the two White Papers (in 1988 and 1990) mooting the elected presidency and the constitutional amendments that created the new institution in 1991. He underlined five areas which the President had "discretionary, custodial power".

They are; the protection of reserves; key public sector appointments; Internal Security Act (ISA) detentions; Investigations by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB); and restraining orders under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.

However, he noted that even in these areas, the President had only blocking powers and was not allowed to initiate decisions or policies. In relation to all other matters, Professor Jayakumar added that "the president, under the Constitution, must act on the advice of the Cabinet". "That is the clear legal position," he said. While many Singaporeans have shown an interest in the elected presidency, he added, was not a bad thing — it is important for the people to clearly understand why they are interested in the first place.

Not running for presidency Professor Jayakumar also ruled out his candidacy when asked if he would be contesting in the presidential race. "I can tell you categorically that I am not a candidate for the elected president," he said. His comments on the role of the elected president also echoed the argument made by President SR Nathan.

Speaking at the end of his state visit in Mauritius on Tuesday, Mr Nathan reminded those who wish to see a more aggressive President as a check on the government that the role is one circumscribed by the Constitution.

When asked about the comparisons of his tenure with that of his predecessor, the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong who had disagreements with the PAP government over the presidential powers, he said, "I know the limitations of the Constitution and what you have to do. I am not there in a boxing match."

 Former PAP MP Dr Tan Cheng Bock said that Professor Jayakumar's remarks was "timely and important", adding that there has been no election for a long time and many might not understand the role of the elected president.

While Dr Tan said that he understood the limitations of the presidential powers and that "we shouldn't deviate" from the fundamental roles, this he added, should not prevent the President from becoming a unifying figure for all Singaporeans.

Source: Yahoo News