Re: Presidential election fiasco is “irrefutable proof” of how stupid pap think s’por
And so we saw how, on 15 January 2016, President Tony Tan opened Parliament and said how “this system must be refreshed from time to time, as our circumstances change”. He called on the Government to “study this matter carefully, to see whether and how we should improve our political system…”
The President’s speech, if you do not know, is actually written and given to him to read by the Prime Minister, laying out the Government’s direction in this new term.
In lightning speed, 12 days later, on 27 January, a constitutional commission was appointed, chaired by the Chief Justice, to “review” the Elected President scheme.
7 months later, in August 2016, the Commission completes its review of the scheme.
The next month, on 7 September, it issues its final report and recommendations to the Government.
On the same day, 7 September, the Government accepts the recommendations, on principle.
1 week later, on 15 September, the Government issues the White Paper on the changes to the Elected President scheme.
Over 3 days, from 7 to 10 November, Parliament debated the changes.
At the end of the debate, the changes were approved.
January to November – not even a year – and the changes were made.
Singapore would have a Reserved Election,
The next election would be for Malay candidates only.
Candidates from the private sector would have to meet a higher ceiling, of having helmed companies with shareholders’ equity of $500m or more, upped from $100m.
How many from the minority communities will qualify? Few, it seems. Very very few.