Denise Phua on Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No. 3) Bill
There are three reasons to support amending the Constitution so that Singapore’s President and Cabinet ministers can take on roles in international organisations in their private capacities when it serves the nation’s interest, said MP Denise Phua in Parliament on Wednesday (Nov 22). First, it gives Singapore the opportunity to “punch above its weight” in influencing global thinking and policymaking. Second, it creates a formal framework to prevent potential abuse. And third, it “encourages a shift in mindset from individual success to significance” for senior public leaders and the nation as a whole. Ms Phua also raised several concerns including the potential impact on official duties, how the benefits of foreign appointments will be assessed and whether there might be extra Government expenditure on “basic security and administrative support” for private engagements.
There are three reasons to support amending the Constitution so that Singapore’s President and Cabinet ministers can take on roles in international organisations in their private capacities when it serves the nation’s interest, said MP Denise Phua in Parliament on Wednesday (Nov 22). First, it gives Singapore the opportunity to “punch above its weight” in influencing global thinking and policymaking. Second, it creates a formal framework to prevent potential abuse. And third, it “encourages a shift in mindset from individual success to significance” for senior public leaders and the nation as a whole. Ms Phua also raised several concerns including the potential impact on official duties, how the benefits of foreign appointments will be assessed and whether there might be extra Government expenditure on “basic security and administrative support” for private engagements.
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