The debate surrounding the President’s powers in the new Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act unfolded in Singapore’s parliament on Tuesday (Feb 4). An opposition Member of Parliament (MP) raised concerns about the president potentially disagreeing with the government on race-related matters, sparking a contentious discussion.
Controversy Surrounding the Bill’s Passage
Although the Bill passed unanimously, the constitutional amendment accompanying it, which updated the President’s powers, faced opposition. Seven Workers’ Party MPs voted against the amendment, while the remaining 78 MPs supported it. This amendment grants the Minister for Home Affairs the authority to issue restraining orders against individuals involved in activities that jeopardize racial harmony in Singapore.
One of the key highlights of the new Act is the establishment of a Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony. This council will be responsible for processing appeals from individuals subject to restraining orders and can provide independent recommendations to the President. Additionally, the President will have the power to confirm, cancel, or modify a restraining order in cases where the Cabinet’s advice differs from the recommendation of the Presidential Council.
Arguments Against Expanded Presidential Powers
Opposition MP Sylvia Lim voiced concerns about the President’s enhanced role in maintaining racial harmony, arguing that this responsibility should rest with the government rather than the President. Lim emphasized that the government is accountable to the public for ensuring peace and order in society, making it better equipped to handle such matters. She cautioned against placing the President in the position of making challenging decisions regarding ethnicity, potentially undermining their role as a unifying figure.
In response, Minister for Law and Home Affairs K Shanmugam defended the expanded powers, stating that the President’s oversight acts as an additional check on ministerial authority. Shanmugam highlighted the value of having diverse perspectives, including those from community leaders and religious figures, advising the President on contentious issues. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between government authority and presidential oversight.
Comparing the New Act to FICA
Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Leong Mun Wai questioned the lack of discretion given to the President under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA), which addresses foreign influence in domestic politics. Minister Shanmugam clarified that FICA involves sensitive intelligence matters that cannot be shared widely due to national security concerns.
Shanmugam underscored the distinction between intelligence-related decisions under FICA and public statements on race-related issues. He urged caution in public discourse on such matters to prevent misinterpretation and misinformation. By maintaining transparency and accuracy in parliamentary debates and legislative processes, Shanmugam sought to uphold public trust and understanding.
As the debate over the President’s powers in the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act continues, the delicate balance between governmental authority and presidential oversight remains a focal point. The evolving role of the President in safeguarding racial and religious harmony underscores the complexities of governance in a diverse society like Singapore.
