Mr K Shanmugam: The Elected President can be highly influential

The Minister made the clarification amidst confusion on what the Elected President can actually do under the Constitution.

At the Institute of Policy Studies Forum on the Elected Presidency, Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Minister for Law said:

In summary, the EP is given veto powers on spending of reserves, specific appointments,
detentions without trial and CPIB investigations. Rationale:-
(1) Check against a profligate government, which might be tempted to spend the
accumulated reserves.
(2) Check against a Government that might go corrupt.
(3) Check against crony appointments.

These are extremely important roles/ powers.

Taking a step back, some have said: what does the EP do then, if he has no powers. Quite untrue.
These are important powers to be used if Government is corrupt/incompetent.

He also stressed that the President can be highly influential and effective as he receives Cabinet papers, meets the Prime Minister regularly, and discusses a wide range of issues. Mr K Shanmugam said:

The President’s influence can be considerable:-
(1) Can advise PM on a variety of matters.
(2) Any PM will give due weight to such advice:
a. especially if the President has had substantial experience;
b. is wise, knowledgeable; and
c. is trusted and respected by the PM.

The Minister noted however that influence will be limited if he is someone who commands little or no respect.

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