Factors and Relative Weightings in Recommending Candidates for Appointment as Chief Justice

5 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance what factors are typically weighed in recommending a candidate for appointment as Chief Justice, including the relative weight given to litigation experience, judicial experience and other forms of legal and public service.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai (for the Prime Minister): The Constitution requires the Prime Minister to advise the President on the appointment of a Chief Justice; and the President, after consulting the Council of Presidential Advisers, makes an independent assessment before the appointment is made.

In assessing a candidate, a range of factors is considered. These include litigation experience, judicial experience where applicable; leadership and management capabilities, contributions to the development of the law; and other forms of legal and public service. The relative weight given to each factor depends on the individual's overall experience and suitability for the office. No single criterion is determinative.

Ultimately, the person appointed must have impeccable integrity, deep legal expertise, judicial temperament and sound judgement. The individual must also have sufficient stature to command the respect of the Bench and Bar; and the leadership ability to oversee the Judiciary, uphold public confidence in the administration of justice; and engage the legal profession and international counterparts.

This approach has served Singapore well. Successive Chief Justices have strengthened our Judiciary and maintained its reputation for independence, professionalism and excellence. The quality of our Judiciary today reflects the calibre of those who have been prepared to serve and the care taken in making these appointments.