Feedback wanted on Elected Presidency – send us yours!

The Constitutional Commission to Review Specific Aspects of the Elected Presidency has issued a media release last week to call for public feedback on proposed changes to the Elected Presidency.
The proposed changes are expected to tighten the qualifying criteria for any Singaporean who wishes to stand for Presidential elections, give more weight to the Council of Presidential Advisers over the President’s custodial powers, and ensure someone from a minority race would periodically be elected.
The President’s powers currently include oversight of the national reserves, oversight of key public service appointments, and granting pardons for death penalty cases.
The President also serves as Singapore’s head of state to visiting dignitaries.
The qualifying criteria for Presidential candidates and the functions of the Council of Presidential Advisors can be found in the Singapore Statutes website.
Public feedback on the impending changes must be addressed to the Constitutional Commission Secretariat by email, CCSecretariat@supcourt.gov.sg, or sent by post to 1 Supreme Court Lane, Singapore 178879.
All written submissions must reach the Secretariat by 5pm on 21 March 2016.
The Constitutional Commission might also invite contributors to make oral representations should it feel a need to seek clarification or elaboration on any written submission.
TISG would also like to publish your feedback on the elected presidency, in the interest accountability and transparency.
If you have made your submission or intend to, please also send it to us by copying us, writers@theindependent.sg, in your email to the Constitutional Commission Secretariat.
Feedback copied to and published by TISG will include your name, unless you indicate otherwise.