Under the Constitution, the President holds powers in specific areas, divided into discretionary and non-discretionary decisions.
In certain key areas, the President can act at his discretion. These include decisions to veto measures that are likely to draw on the nation's past reserves and key public service appointment. These powers provide an important check within Singapore’s system of governance.
The President consults the Council of Presidential Advisers in these areas.
For most other matters, the President acts on the advice of the Cabinet or a minister authorised by Cabinet. This reflects the President’s constitutional role as Head of State in a system where executive authority lies with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
As the guardian of Singapore’s Past Reserves, the President has the discretion to veto any budget or transaction (e.g., giving of guarantees or raising of loans) if it is likely to result in a draw on Singapore’s Past Reserves.
These Past Reserves comprise the past reserves of the Government and key statutory boards and government companies (SBGC) listed under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution. The Fifth Schedule entities are 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).
To ensure the impartiality of the public sector and government companies, the President can veto the appointment or removal of:
If the Government disagrees with the recommendation of the ISA advisory board to release a detainee, it must obtain the President's concurrence to continue the detention (Article 151(4) of the Constitution).
CPIB investigations may be carried on with the President's concurrence, even if the Prime Minister does not consent.
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 recommendation.
Example: