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Elected Presidency's Commission members appointed

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Elected Presidency's Commission members appointed

Nine members have been appointed to the Constitutional Commission, the Prime Minister's Office said yesterday.

The Commission will review the Elected Presidency system ahead of the polls due to be called by August.

Chaired by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, it will look into three key aspects of the system: To keep the eligibility criteria up to date, to beef up the powers of the Council of Presidential Advisers and to ensure that minority candidates stand a chance.

The Commission will consult the public and make recommendations on improving the system by the third quarter of this year.

CJ Menon said: "I look forward to working closely with the distinguished citizens who have been appointed to the Commission and who will bring with them the valuable perspectives of their diverse backgrounds and experience."

APPOINTMENT

The Government's intention to appoint the Commission was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last month.

The Commission will, according to its Terms of Reference, review the qualifying process for potential presidential candidates.

It will consider the adequacy of existing provisions, taking into account the President's role in safeguarding financial reserves, and the need to ensure that the candidates are individuals of character and standing.

The Commission will make recommendations to safeguard minority representation in the Presidency and the need to ensure that minority candidates have "fair and adequate opportunity to be elected to Presidential office".

It will also review the framework governing the exercise of the President's custodial powers, particularly the role and composition of the Council of Presidential Advisers.

- The Straits Times.


Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon: I look forward to working closely with the distinguished citizens who have been appointed to the Commission and who will bring with them the valuable perspectives of their diverse backgrounds and experience.

Members of Commission

The eight members appointed to the Commission led by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon are:

  • Justice Tay Yong Kwang, Judge, Supreme Court
  • Mr Eddie Teo, Chairman, Public Service Commission
  • Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Member, Presidential Council for Minority Rights
  • Professor Chan Heng Chee, Chairman, Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Design
  • Mr Chua Thian Poh, Chairman and CEO, Ho Bee Land
  • Mr Philip Ng, CEO, Far East Organization
  • Mr Peter Seah, Chairman, DBS Bank
  • Mr Wong Ngit Liong, Chairman and CEO, Venture Corporation