On Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No. 3) Bill

I raised three reasons to support the Singapore's President and Cabinet Ministers to assume roles in foreign and global organizations in their private capacity when it serves the national interest. And sought clarification for four Concerns.

Supporting this Bill is strategic and will offer Singapore the opportunity to punch above its weight, influencing global thinking and policy making.

Here’s what I shared :

DENISE’S SPEECH ON CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE (AMENDMENT NO 3) BILL

Introduction

Sir, I rise in support of the Bill on the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No. 3).

The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Constitution, enabling Singapore's President and Cabinet Ministers to assume roles in foreign and global organizations in their private capacity, when it serves the national interest.

I will now present three compelling reasons to back this Bill and then raise four common concerns to which I seek the DPM’S response.

Three Reasons to Support the Bill

1. Enhanced International Influence:

First, granting the President and Cabinet Ministers the opportunity to take on external roles, albeit in their personal capacity, can boost Singapore's visibility and status internationally.

Singapore, as a small nation state, is often recognized for its effective governance, and economic and social development.

Our leaders can offer essential insights for achieving progress and stability, beneficial to global policy-making.

Foreign and international organizations present an excellent platform for small states like Singapore to actively participate in shaping global policies, which may in turn affect them.

However, not every international organization is formal or has the resources to appoint leaders in their official state roles.

Therefore, our collective support for our senior leaders to join these organizations, when it aligns with national interests, is crucial and strategic.

President Tharman's significant contributions to entities such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), G20 Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance, and the Global Commission on the Economics of Water have positively impacted our nation's reputation.

His continued involvement will offer valuable perspectives on global policy-making, which is especially beneficial for Singapore during these challenging economic and geopolitical times.

During the last presidential election, there was widespread opinion that it would be a loss if Mr. Tharman's ascent to the presidency hindered his international contributions.

But President Tharman isn't the only one whose insights are valued globally. Prime Minister Lee has also frequently represented Singapore internationally, enhancing our country's visibility, influence, and reputation on the world stage. And so have other public office holders.

Supporting this Bill is hence strategic and will offer Singapore the opportunity to punch above its weight, influencing global thinking and policy making.

2. Creation of a Formal Framework:

The second reason to support this Bill is its establishment of a framework to prevent potential abuse. In the case of the President,

Clause 2 of the Bill spells out the conditions under which the President can accept and hold office in a foreign or international organization in his private capacity. The Cabinet must advise the President that the appointment is in Singapore’s national interest; and also against saying or doing anything in performing that role.

Clause 3 too similarly inserts provisions to apply the same framework to Ministers and empowers the Prime Minister to approve such appointments.

The new provisions of both Clauses create a framework to ensure greater transparency, accountability and governance when the President and Ministers perform non-local roles in their private capacities.

Much welcomed steps.

3. Transitioning to Significance:

Third, this Bill encourages a shift in mindset from individual success to significance, for our senior public leaders and nation alike.

Already, Government has an existing practice of encouraging senior public servants to engage in non-commercial roles in their private capacity, fostering civic engagement and volunteerism. MINDS, a large charity for the intellectually challenged, has Perm Sec Augustin Lee as Chairman. Where I volunteer, in the autism charities, Deputy Perm Sec Poon Hong Yuen provides invaluable insights in the Boards. There are many others.

When senior public office holders such as Presidents and Ministers contribute extend their expertise and experience globally, they too move the needle from individual success to significance, benefiting wider communities and nations.

Four Concerns

1. Impact on Official Duties:

The first concern relates to the potential impact on the President's and Cabinet Ministers' official duties. Some worry that engaging in international roles in their private capacity may divert their attention from their elected and appointed responsibilities. What is the tipping point when one’s overseas engagements are perceived as excessive?

Guidelines from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) are hence necessary to strike a suitable balance between public and private roles.

2. Assessing Role Benefits:

The second concern is how the Prime Minister and Cabinet will determine the potential benefits of these roles to the country.

While it is an honor to be invited to key positions in foreign organizations, not all roles may serve Singapore's interests. An objective assessment approach should be adopted to weigh the tangible benefits and drawbacks. What is the meaning of ‘serving national interest’ – what are some examples of what might be beneficial or not quite beneficial to the nation.

Some clarity in decision-making criteria and assessment weightage would be appreciated.

3. Advising the Prime Minister under similar situation:

The third concern centers around who advises the Prime Minister, if he himself is invited to hold office in a foreign or international organization in his private capacity.

The Bill outlines advice mechanisms for the President and Cabinet Ministers but lacks clarity regarding the Prime Minister's situation.

4. Security and Administrative Support:

Although it is stated that the Bill will not involve the Government in any extra financial expenditure, it may not be so, in reality.

There is hence a fourth concern pertaining to the need for basic security and administrative support even as one tries to distinguish between official and private engagements for the President and Cabinet Ministers.

In cases involving national interest spaces like the economy, security, human development, and healthcare, the government's provision of such support should be considered.

There will be times when it is essential to help ensure the organized conduct of the businesses, for the image of Singapore.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe that the benefits of this Bill outweigh the concerns.

While operational challenges may arise, I am confident they can be addressed through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to serving the public interest.

I therefore stand in support of this Bill.

Denise Phua

22 Nov 2023

MP, ParliamentDenise PhuaParliament, Speech, Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No. 3) Bill