| Parliament name |
Parliament |
| Structure of parliament |
Unicameral |
|
POLITICAL SYSTEM
|
| Type of political regime |
parliamentary |
| Notes |
Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system of government based on the Westminster model. The law which establishes the form of government and the powers of the different state institutions are contained in a written Constitution.
The President is the titular Head of State, and has certain custodial powers to protect the accumulated reserves of the country and the integrity of public sector appointments. However, the general direction and control of the Government is vested in the Cabinet. The Cabinet is collectively responsible to Parliament. |
| Head of the executive |
President of the Republic |
| Notes |
Executive authority is vested in the President. However, the President, in exercising his functions, is to act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet, or of a Minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet, except for certain custodial functions provided for in the Constitution. |
| Method for appointing the executive |
The President is elected directly by the people for a term of six years.
The President appoints as Prime Minister a Member of Parliament who, in his or her judgement, is likely to command the confidence of the majority of parliamentarians. Acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, the President appoints other Ministers from among parliamentarians.
Members of Parliament are elected by the people. They serve a maximum term of five years from the date of the first sitting of Parliament.
There is no Constitutional limit on the number of times a President or Member of Parliament may be re-elected. |
| Term of office of the executive and coincidence with the term of the legislature |
Please see paragraph above. |
| Incompatibility of the functions of member of the executive and member of Parliament |
No |
Members of the Cabinet are elected parliamentarians. If an appointment is made while Parliament is dissolved, a person who was a Member of Parliament may be appointed as Minister, but may not continue to hold office after the first sitting of the next Parliament unless he or she is a Member thereof. |
| Dissolution of Parliament |
Yes |
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Parliament, unless sooner dissolved, continues for five years from the date of its first sitting and then is dissolved. The President may, at any time, by proclamation in the Government Gazette, dissolve Parliament if he is advised by the Prime Minister to do so. |
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There must be a general election within three months after the dissolution of Parliament. |
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ACCOUNTABILITY
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| Accountability of Government to Parliament |
Yes |
The Cabinet is collectively responsible to Parliament. |
| Modalities of oversight |
- Oral and written questions of parliamentarians
|
Parliamentarians may pose questions to Ministers during Question Time. Question Time lasts for 90 minutes at each sitting. Parliamentarians may also raise supplementary questions to a main question. |
- Government reports to Parliament
|
There are legislative provisions for the submission of annual reports or financial statements of statutory bodies to Parliament. |
| Measures |
- Vote of confidence on Government programs and/or legislative proposals
|
The power of the legislature is exercised by bills passed by Parliament and assented to by the President. |
| Motions of censure and votes of no confidence (sub-report) |
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A motion of no confidence may be moved by any Member of Parliament. |
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A simple majority is required in Parliament to pass such a resolution. |
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If such a motion is passed by Parliament, the President may appoint a new Prime Minister to form the Government or dissolve Parliament, so that a general election is called. |
| Dismissal and/or impeachment of Government and other public officials (sub-report) |
- Circumstances and persons concerned
|
The Prime Minister or not less than one quarter of the total number of elected parliamentarians may give notice of a motion alleging that the President is permanently incapable of discharging the functions of his or her office by reason of mental or physical infirmity or that the President has been guilty of (i) intentional violation of the Constitution; (ii) treason; (iii) misconduct or corruption involving the abuse of the powers of the office; or (iv) any offence involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude, and setting out full particulars of the allegations made and seeking an inquiry and report thereon (Article 22L of the Constitution). |
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Where the motion has been adopted by not less than half of the total number of elected parliamentarians, the Chief Justice appoints a tribunal to inquire into the allegations made against the President. The tribunal consists of not less than five Judges of the Supreme Court, of whom the Chief Justice is one and such tribunal may regulate its own procedure and make rules for that purpose. The tribunal makes, after due inquiry at which the President has the right to appear and to be heard in person or by counsel, a report of its determination to the Speaker together with reasons. Where the tribunal reports to the Speaker that in its opinion the President is permanently incapable of discharging his or her functions, Parliament may by a resolution passed by not less than three quarters of all elected members remove him or her from office. |
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The office of President becomes vacant if the President is removed from office. If it becomes vacant, the Chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers, or if he or she is unavailable, the Speaker exercises the functions of President during the period between the date the office becomes vacant and the assumption of office by the person declared elected as new President. |
- Have these procedures been applied?
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OVERSIGHT OVER THE ACTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
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| Oversight over the actions of the Government administration |
Yes |
Members of the executive are accountable to Parliament for the work of their respective ministries. Questions and motions can be raised by parliamentarians on any matters for which the Cabinet is collectively responsible. Ministerial statements are issued by the Government in Parliament relating to important government policies.
Parliamentary Oversight Committees, such as the Estimates and Public Accounts Committees, have the power to summon persons, papers and records. |
| Means and modalities of oversight |
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Parliament does not normally hold hearings, but bills and other ad hoc matters may be committed by Parliament to a special Select Committee which has certain powers to examine witnesses and call for papers and records. |
- Committees of inquiry and missions to Government departments
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Parliament may appoint ad hoc Select Committees to inquire into specific matters. |
- Oral and written questions of parliamentarians
|
Questions may be put to Ministers and other Members relating to affairs within their official functions. A Member may have up to five questions on the Order Paper at any one time and not more than three of these questions may be for oral answer.
Notice of a question is given by a Member in writing not later than seven clear days before the sitting day on which an answer is required. A question may not be asked without notice, unless the Speaker is of the opinion that it is urgent, and relates to a matter of public importance.
Questions for oral answer are raised at question time, which continues for up to 90 minutes from the commencement of a sitting. When a question for oral answer is reached on the Order Paper, the Speaker calls upon the Member in whose name the question stands. The Member then rises in his place and asks the question by reference to its number. Supplementary questions may be put for the purpose of elucidating an oral answer, but the Speaker may refuse any such question that in his opinion introduces a matter not related to the original question.
If a Member's oral question is unanswered at the end of Question Time, he or she may request that it be postponed to the next sitting or converted to written answer. |
- Role of Parliament in the appointment of senior Government officials
|
Parliament does not appoint government officials. |
- Activity reports of the Government administration and of public services or establishments
|
Certain legislation provides for an institution to present an annual report of its activities and financial statements to Parliament. |
- Representation of Parliament in governing bodies of the Government administration
|
In their personal and individual capacity, parliamentarians may be employed or sit on boards of national and public enterprises and serve on trade organizations, trade unions and community and social organizations. |
| Existence of an ombudsman |
No |
|
- Method for appointing the executive
|
Not applicable |
- Relationship to Parliament
|
Not applicable |
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BUDGETARY OVERSIGHT
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| Consultation of Parliament in the preparation of the national budget
|
No |
The annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for the next financial year are presented to Parliament after they are approved by the Cabinet. |
| Modalities of oversight |
- Examination of the budget / finance act by Parliament
|
The budget process consists of (a) proceedings on the annual Budget Statement, (b) proceedings on the Estimates of Expenditure in the Committee of Supply and (c) proceedings on the Supply Bill. The Supply Bill allows the Government to appropriate funds from the Consolidated Fund and Development Fund to meet the expenditure set out in the Bill. After Parliament has passed the Supply Bill, it is sent to the President for his assent.
A minimum of two days are allotted for the debate on the Budget Statement, seven days in the Committee of Supply and one day for the consideration of the Supply Bill. |
- Reports on the budget / finance act by Committees
|
The Estimates Committee consists of a chairman to be appointed by the Speaker and not more than seven members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection. It is the duty of the Committee to examine any of the estimates, to report what economies consistent with the policy implied in the estimates might be effected, and to suggest the form in which the estimates might be presented. |
| Fields overseen |
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Parliament scrutinizes and approves the budget for the Government's policies and programmes through the annual debate on the Budget Statement, the proceedings of the Estimates of Expenditure in the Committee of Supply. Parliament also scrutinizes Government policies during the debate on the President's Address at the Opening of Parliament, which outlines the plans of Government for the forthcoming term. |
- Budget of special departments
|
Parliament scrutinizes and approves the budget for the Government's policies and programmes through the annual debate on the Budget Statement, the proceedings of the Estimates of Expenditure in the Committee of Supply. Parliament also scrutinizes Government policies during the debate on the President's Address at the Opening of Parliament, which outlines the plans of Government for the forthcoming term. |
- Role of Parliament in national development plans
|
Parliament scrutinizes and approves the budget for the Government's policies and programmes through the annual debate on the Budget Statement, the proceedings of the Estimates of Expenditure in the Committee of Supply. Parliament also scrutinizes Government policies during the debate on the President's Address at the Opening of Parliament, which outlines the plans of Government for the forthcoming term. |
| Parliament's deadline for the examination and adoption of the budget / finance act |
Generally, financial provisions relating to the State are contained in the Constitution. There is no legal provision for a deadline for the examination of the Supply Bill. However, the Minister for Finance must present Estimates of Expenditure before the end of each financial year, which is from 1 April to 31 March of the following year. The Supply Bill is usually passed before 31 March. |
| Consequences of failure by Parliament to adopt the budget / finance act |
If no Supply Bill has become law on the first day of the financial year to which it relates, the Minister for Finance may, with the prior approval of Cabinet, authorize such expenditure from the Consolidated Fund, Development Fund, or other Government Fund, as he may consider essential for the continuance of public services or any purpose of development shown in the estimates until there is a Supply Law for that year, provided that the expenditure authorized does not exceed one fourth of the amount voted for that service or purpose in the Supply Law for the preceding financial year. |
| Budgetary autonomy of Parliament |
Yes |
Parliament's budget forms a part of the estimates of expenditure which are approved by the Cabinet before being presented to Parliament. |
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OVERSIGHT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BUDGET AND OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING
|
| Evaluation of Government spending |
| Parliament approves Government expenditures annually |
Yes |
The Minister for Finance presents to Parliament, together with the estimates of revenue and expenditure, (a) a statement whether the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure is likely to draw on the reserves which were not accumulated by the Government during its current term of office; and (b) an audited statement showing as far as practicable the assets and liabilities at the end of the last completed financial year.
|
| Parliamentary oversight of public companies |
Yes |
Members of Parliament may raise questions and motions in Parliament relating to public companies. |
| Modalities of oversight |
- Body for auditing the Government's books and method for appointing
|
The Auditor-General is appointed by the President, in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister. It is the duty of the Auditor-General to audit and report on the accounts of all departments and offices of the Government, the Public Service Commission, the Legal Service Commission, the Supreme Court, all subordinate courts and Parliament. He or she performs such other duties and exercises such other powers in relation to the accounts of Government and accounts of other public authorities as may be prescribed by law.
The Auditor-General holds office for a term of six years and ceases to hold that office at the end of that term, but without prejudice to his or her eligibility for reappointment for further terms. Parliament must seek by resolution to provide for the remuneration of the Auditor-General and such remuneration and other terms of service must not be altered to his or her disadvantage during his or her continuance in office. |
- Reports of the public auditor's office
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The Auditor-General submits his annual report to the President, who causes for it to be presented in Parliament. The Public Accounts Committee examines the accounts showing the appropriation of the sums granted by Parliament to meet the public expenditure and any other accounts laid before Parliament together with the reports prepared by the Auditor General. |
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In addition, the Public Accounts Committee examines various accounts of the Government showing the appropriation of funds granted by Parliament to meet the public expenditure, as well as other accounts laid before Parliament, together with the Auditor-General's Report. The Committee is assisted by the Auditor-General and has powers to send for witnesses, papers and records. |
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OVERSIGHT OVER FOREIGN POLICY
|
| Foreign Relations Committee (sub-report) |
- Functions of the Committee
|
At present, there is no Standing Select Committee on Foreign Affairs. |
|
|
Not applicable |
- Composition of the Committee
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Not applicable |
- Bilateral visits of Parliament, inter-parliamentary conferences and information missions abroad
|
Parliament participates in bilateral visits and inter-parliamentary conferences. It seeks to promote inter-parliamentary relations through the formation of Friendship Groups and Parliamentary Regional Groups. |
- Plenary debates on foreign policy issues
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Parliamentarians may introduce motions to debate matters relating to foreign affairs. |
| Involvement of Parliament |
- Participation of Parliament in inter-governmental meetings
|
Parliamentarians may participate in intergovernmental meetings at the request of the Government. |
- Modalities and procedures for ratifying international treaties and agreements (sub-report)
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While there is no legal provision requiring a treaty or international instrument to be submitted to Parliament for ratification, laws to be implemented as a result of such a treaty must be passed by Parliament. |
- Other mechanisms for participation in foreign policy by Parliament
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Parliamentarians exercise oversight over the conduct of foreign affairs through questions and motions in Parliament. |
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OVERSIGHT OVER NATIONAL DEFENCE POLICY
|
| National Defence Committee (sub-report) |
- Functions of the Committee
|
At present there is no Standing Select Committee on national defence. |
|
|
Not applicable |
- Composition of the Committee
|
Not applicable |
| Parliamentary oversight of public arms manufacturing companies |
Members may raise questions relating to government-linked public companies. |
| Circumstances and involvement |
- Modalities and procedures in case of war, an armed attack or a state of emergency
|
A Proclamation of Emergency must be presented to Parliament and ceases to have effect if a resolution is passed by Parliament annulling such a Proclamation. |
- Role of Parliament in sending troops abroad
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Parliamentarians exercise oversight over the sending of troops overseas through questions and motions in Parliament. |
- Other mechanisms for participation in national defence policy by Parliament
|
Parliamentarians exercise oversight over the sending of troops overseas through questions and motions in Parliament. |
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STATE OF EMERGENCY
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| Circumstances |
If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby security or economic life is threatened, he or she may issue a proclamation of emergency. If such a proclamation is issued when Parliament is not sitting, the President summons Parliament as soon as practicable, and may, until it is sitting, promulgate ordinances having the force of law, if satisfied that immediate action is required. |
| Can parliament take the initiative to declare a state of emergency |
No |
|
| Consequences of a state of emergency for Parliament |
While a proclamation is in force, Parliament may, notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, make laws with respect to any matter, if it appears to Parliament that the law is required by reason of the emergency. |
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VERIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTIONALITY AND THE APPLICATION OF LAWS
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| Modalities of oversight |
- Body ruling on the constitutionality of laws
|
Supreme Court / Tribunal |
The judicial power of Singapore is vested in the Supreme Court, which exercises the power of judicial review on the constitutionality of statutes. This authority is an inherent power of the Supreme Court and is asserted by the court itself. |
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The Constitution makes provision for the President to refer to a tribunal consisting of not less than three Judges of the Supreme Court for its opinion on any questions as to the effect of any provision of the Constitution which has arisen or appears, to him or her, likely to arise.
Any aggrieved party may also commence proceedings seeking a review of a law. The court procedures are contained in the Rules of Court, and there is a body of precedents or court rulings on such matters. |
| Evaluation of laws |
No |
Parliamentarians may evaluate and call for review of laws through questions and motions in Parliament. |
| Measures |
|
Compare data for parliamentary chambers in the Oversight module
