President of Singapore

The President of Singapore is the head of state. In parliamentary systems like the Westminster system, which Singapore employs, the prime minister is the head of the government while the position of President is largely ceremonial. Before 1993, the President was elected by the unicameral Parliament, with executive power remaining with the Prime Minister. The President's flag is a banner of the country's coat of arms. The President is a constitutional head of state, with duties similar to those of the British monarch, although constitutional changes have given the holder of the office new reserve powers. The President's official residence is called the Istana. Although the president should be elected by universal suffrage, the People's Action Party of Singapore which holds political power in Singapore and is headed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has disqualified all contenders except one from running for office.

Related Topics:
Head of state - Unicameral - Parliament - Prime Minister - Coat of arms - British monarch - Istana

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The office of President was created in 1965 after Singapore became a Republic on its departure from the Federation of Malaysia in that year. It replaced the office of Yang di-Pertuan Negara, which had been created when Singapore gained self-government in 1959. The last Yang di-Pertuan Negara, Inche Yusuf bin Ishak, became the first President. He was replaced by Benjamin Henry Sheares, who served as President until his death in 1981, when he was succeeded by Chengara Veetil Devan Nair. Owing to personal problems, Nair stepped down in 1985 and was replaced by Wee Kim Wee, who served as President until 1993.

Related Topics:
1965 - Singapore - Republic - Federation of Malaysia - Yang di-Pertuan Negara - 1959 - Inche Yusuf bin Ishak - Benjamin Henry Sheares - 1981 - Chengara Veetil Devan Nair - 1985 - Wee Kim Wee

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In January 1991, the Constitution of Singapore was amended to provide for the popular election of the President, who would have the power to veto appointments in the civil service and the use of government reserves. The creation of the popularly elected presidency is a major constitutional and political change in Singapore's history as, under the revision, the President is empowered to veto the government's budget and appointments to public office. He can also examine the administration's enforcement of the Internal Security Act and religious harmony laws, and look into investigations of corruption.

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The first directly elected President was Ong Teng Cheong, a former cabinet minister. He served as president from September 1, 1993, through August 31, 1999.

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The incumbent President is Sellapan Ramanathan. His first term expires on August 31, 2005. He was re-elected on the virtue of walkover on 17 August 2005. His next term will expire in 2011.

Related Topics:
Sellapan Ramanathan - August 31 - 2005 - Walkover - 17 August

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