The Presidency in Singapore
Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system of Government adopted from the Westminster Model.
The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore provides for a President who will be the Head of State. However
before 1991, the role of President was appointed by Parliament and had a largely ceremonial role.
In January 1991, the Constitution was changed so that the election of President will be made by the citizens
of Singapore by vote. The person elected as President will serve the post for six years.
Under the revision, the President is empowered
to veto government budgets and appointments to public office.
He can also examine the Government's exercise of
its powers under the Internal Security Act and religious harmony laws, and in
investigations into cases of corruption. The President must, however, consult
the Council of Presidential Advisers before he takes a decision on some of these matters.
The first President to be elected using this system was President Mr Ong Teng Cheong on 28th August 1993.
Mr S R Nathan became the second Elected President on 1 September 1999.
President Dr Tan Keng Yam was elected as President in the Presidential Election held
on 27 August 2011. He was sworn in as the seventh President of Singapore on 1
September 2011.
The Past Presidents
First President of Singapore: Encik Yusof bin Ishak
Encik Yusof bin Ishak became the first President of the Republic of Singapore
on 9th August 1965. He was re-appointed for a further term of four years,
with effect from 4th December, 1967.
Second President of Singapore: Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares
Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares was elected President of the Republic of Singapore
on January 2, 1971. He passed away on May 12 1981
Third President of Singapore: Mr C V Devan Nair
Mr C V Devan Nair was elected President of the Republic of Singapore by
Parliament on October 23, 1981.
Fourth President of Singapore: Dr Wee Kim Wee
Dr Wee Kim Wee was elected President of the Republic of Singapore by
Parliament on 30 August 1985.
Fifth President of Singapore: Mr Ong Teng Cheong
Mr Ong Teng Cheong became the fifth President of the Republic of Singapore
and the first President to be popularly elected by the people on 1 September
1993.
He stepped down the position of the President at the age of 63. Mr Ong passed
away on the 8 February 2002.
