Jayakumar recounts how elected presidency was shaped

· Politics · Singapore

Former senior minister S. Jayakumar recounted how younger ministers spoke up against Lee Kuan Yew's original proposal for Singapore's elected presidency, and how the late leader was willing to modify it. He said then-President Ong Teng Cheong 'stress-tested' the scheme and showed that an establishment figure could act independently. The account offers insight into the design of a system that requires presidential assent for key reserves and appointments.

Why it matters：The account illuminates the checks and balances built into Singapore's presidency, which guards the country's reserves and key appointments.

Key points

  • Younger ministers opposed Lee Kuan Yew's original plan.
  • Ong Teng Cheong was said to have 'stress-tested' the scheme.
  • The elected presidency oversees reserves and key appointments.

Sources (original reporting)

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