Effective Date of Section 3 of Constitution of Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Act 2016

2 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Prime Minister when is section 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Act 2016 (Act 28 of 2016), which establishes a revised entrenchment framework relating to the Elected Presidency and its custodial powers, expected to come into operation.

Mr Lawrence Wong (for the Prime Minister): The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Act 2016 made wide-ranging amendments that were carefully explained in Parliament. In particular, the Government had highlighted then the need to strike a balance between rigidity and adaptability, as the Elected President is a unique institution, which will evolve over time.

The Government will continue to observe how the adjustments and other aspects of the Elected Presidency operate in practice, before we consider bringing into force the entrenchment framework.