Who is the President of Singapore?
The President of Singapore is the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the Singapore Armed Forces. He or she is elected by the people of Singapore for a term of six years. The current President of Singapore is Halimah Yacob, who was elected in 2017.
10 Facts About the President of Singapore
- The President of Singapore is the only directly elected head of state in Southeast Asia.
- The President of Singapore is not a member of any political party.
- The President of Singapore is the highest-paid head of state in the world.
- The President of Singapore has a ceremonial role and does not have any executive power.
- The President of Singapore can veto laws passed by Parliament, but Parliament can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
- The President of Singapore can grant pardons and reprieves.
- The President of Singapore is the patron of many charities and organizations.
- The President of Singapore lives in the Istana, a large palace in central Singapore.
- The President of Singapore has a staff of over 100 people.
- The President of Singapore is entitled to a state funeral.
Roles and Responsibilities of the President of Singapore
The President of Singapore has a number of roles and responsibilities, including:
- Representing Singapore at home and abroad
- Signing laws passed by Parliament
- Granting pardons and reprieves
- Summoning and dissolving Parliament
- Appointing the Prime Minister and other Cabinet members
- Commanding the Singapore Armed Forces
The President of Singapore’s Residence
The President of Singapore lives in the Istana, a large palace in central Singapore. The Istana was built in 1869 and was originally the residence of the British Governor of Singapore. The Istana is now a national monument and is open to the public for tours.
Conclusion
The President of Singapore is a powerful and important figure in Singaporean society. He or she plays a vital role in representing Singapore at home and abroad, and in ensuring the smooth running of the government.
