SINGAPORE — An amendment to the Constitution has been proposed to allow the President and ministers to accept appointments in foreign and international organisations in their private personal capacities, if required by national interest.
For example, this would allow President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to continue with his roles with the World Economic Forum and Group of 20.The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that from time to time, the President or ministers are invited to take up key positions in foreign and international organisations.
However, the Constitution currently does not provide for the President, as the head of state, to take up public roles where he acts in his private capacity. Mr Tharman currently holds several international appointments, including being chairman of the Group of 20’s Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance and a member of the World Economic Forum’s board of trustees.
The Straits Times has contacted the President’s Office and Prime Minister’s Office to clarify the foreign and international roles being held by the President or ministers. The Cabinet may also from time to time advise the President against saying or doing anything in performing the functions of such an office. The President must also relinquish the office, if so advised by the Cabinet.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Singapore proposes new laws for President, ministers to hold roles in foreign and global organisationsIf proposed amendments to the Constitution are passed, the President and ministers will be able to accept appointments in foreign and international organisations in their private capacities, if it is in the national interest for them to do so.
Read more »