CONFLICT OF INTEREST
WP’s Mr Tan also said that “double hatting” may give rise to conflicts of interest, and asked about the remedies for such an instance.
While the Cabinet needs to be satisfied that any global appointment must be in the national interest, this does not preclude the possibility that the role a president is initially allowed to assume in an international organisation may turn out to need more time and attention, said Mr Tan.
For example, in a time of crisis, it may be morally – or as a matter of conscience – difficult to step down and walk away from an international position of leadership.
“If done, it may even affect the standing of our President or our country,” said Mr Tan.
“But if the President does not walk away, and the Cabinet does not require him to relinquish, whether rightly or wrongly, it may still add to the time and responsibilities of the President within this foreign or international organisation which may, in turn, reduce or affect the time or attention he has in his actual role as our President.”
Mr Wong said potential conflicts of interest or questions of conflict would be considered in deciding on whether to support the appointment in the first place.
“It clearly would not be in Singapore’s national interest to support appointments that place the president or a minister in conflict with their official functions,” he said.
Mr Wong added that the President or ministers can take steps to remove such a conflict, such as recusing themselves from a particular decision that will clash with official duties.
The Cabinet can also advise the President accordingly, while the Prime Minister can instruct ministers to relinquish an appointment if there are “serious” questions of conflict of interest that cannot be resolved, said Mr Wong.
“If the President intentionally refuses to follow the Cabinet’s advice, then that would be grounds for removal, and there are procedures set out for such removal.”
RETROACTIVE AMENDMENTS
Associate Professor Jamus Lim (WP-Sengkang) and PSP’s Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai also raised concerns over the backdating of the constitutional amendments to Sep 14, when President Tharman took office.
Mr Leong questioned why it was “so pressing to rush through” the Bill, and asked the government why there was “no such rush” to create this framework when ministers have been taking up international appointments over the years.
The PSP chief gave the example of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who sat on the JP Morgan international council while he was Minister Mentor.
Noting that the first reading of the Bill happened less than three weeks ago, Mr Leong said parliament was “recalled today specifically to approve this fait accompli”.
“The retrospective amendment of any law should not be taken lightly. The speed with which these constitutional amendments are being enacted, as well as the fact that they are being backdated, has created unnecessary unease among Singaporeans,” Mr Leong added.
“A segment of Singaporeans now perceive that the Constitution is being specially amended to enable President Tharman to continue serving in international organisations despite taking up his new office as President of Singapore.”