Constitutional
Since 1991, the President is empowered to veto government budgets and key public appointments if there are reasons to do so. The President is advised by the Council of Presidential Advisers on such matters.
Discretionary Powers
As a safeguard against the Government misusing the nation's reserves.
As a custodian of the public service’s impartiality.
The President must consult the Council of Presidential Advisers in these areas.
Non-discretionary Powers
For matters in which the President has no discretion, the President must act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet or a minister delegated with that power.
Discretionary Powers
All fiscal matters touching on Singapore's reserves
The President acts as the guardian of Past Reserves. This includes the reserves of key statutory boards and government companies (SBGC) listed under the Fifth Schedules to the Constitution. SBGCs include GIC Pte Ltd, Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd, the Housing and Development Board (HDB), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB) and Jurong Town Corporation (JTC).
The President may veto any budget or specific transaction (e.g. giving of guarantees or raising of loans) if it is likely to lead to a draw on Past Reserves.
Appointment of Key Office Holders
To ensure the impartiality of the public sector and government companies, the President can veto the appointment or removal of:
- Key office holders in the public service listed in Article 22 of the Constitution such as the Chief Justice, Judges of the Supreme Court, Attorney-General, Auditor-General, Director of Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, Chairman and members of the Public Service Commission, Chief of Defence Force and Commissioner of Police;
- Any chairman, board member or CEO of a Fifth Schedule Statutory Board (Article 22A of the Constitution); and
- Any director or CEO of a Fifth Schedule Statutory Board Government Company (Article 22A of the Constitution)
Detention orders, investigations and restraining orders
Internal Security Act
If the Government disagrees with the ISA advisory board's (established under the ISA) recommendation that a person be released, the President's concurrence is required for his/her continued detention (Article 151(4) of the Constitution).
Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau
Investigations may be carried on with the President's concurrence, even if the Prime Minister does not consent to it.
Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act
Under Article 22I of the Constitution, the President may cancel or vary a restraining order if the advice of the Cabinet differs from the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony's (established under the MRHA) recommendation.
Non-discretionary Powers
Matters in which the President has no discretion and must act with the advice of the Cabinet or a Minister.
Example:
- With the Cabinet's advice, regarding the pardon of a person convicted of an offence.
- With the Prime Minister's advice, on the appointment of Ministers.