A quick summary of the President's duties and powers can be found here: https://www.istana.gov.sg/The-President/Presidents-Duties/Constitutional
The problem though is non of these powers are of any interest to most opposition supporters and certainly not within scope of what Tan Kin Lian advocates (NS, CPF, HDB etc.).
1. Reserves - Unfortunately the President can only veto on matters requiring the drawdown of reserves, he cannot propose or authorize any drawdown at his discretion. This is where a lot of oppo-leaning candidates mislead their supporters into thinking that the President can influence and direct the allocation of the reserves.
2. Appointment of KOH such as stat board CEOs, CDF, CJ - This is probably the only power that is of some interest to normal citizens, but the reality is unless the proposed individual has serious flaws such as criminal record, no relevant experience etc. there really isn't much he can do in practice.
3. ISA / Religious Harmony / CPIB - These are all very narrow and specific areas that while true in theory, probably are of no interest to ordinary citizens.
4. Appointment of PM - No power, has to appoint individual that has the support of majority of MPs
5. Appointment of Ministers - No power, has to follow PM advice
6. Pardon of Death Sentence - No power, has to follow cabinet advice
The problem though is non of these powers are of any interest to most opposition supporters and certainly not within scope of what Tan Kin Lian advocates (NS, CPF, HDB etc.).
1. Reserves - Unfortunately the President can only veto on matters requiring the drawdown of reserves, he cannot propose or authorize any drawdown at his discretion. This is where a lot of oppo-leaning candidates mislead their supporters into thinking that the President can influence and direct the allocation of the reserves.
2. Appointment of KOH such as stat board CEOs, CDF, CJ - This is probably the only power that is of some interest to normal citizens, but the reality is unless the proposed individual has serious flaws such as criminal record, no relevant experience etc. there really isn't much he can do in practice.
3. ISA / Religious Harmony / CPIB - These are all very narrow and specific areas that while true in theory, probably are of no interest to ordinary citizens.
4. Appointment of PM - No power, has to appoint individual that has the support of majority of MPs
5. Appointment of Ministers - No power, has to follow PM advice
6. Pardon of Death Sentence - No power, has to follow cabinet advice
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