Government, Cabinet

Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system of Government based on the Westminster Model. The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore provides for a President who is the Head of State. Prior to 1991, the President was appointed by Parliament and had a largely ceremonial role.

In January 1991, the Constitution was amended to allow for the election of a President by the citizens of Singapore. The elected President will hold office for a fixed term of six years. The creation of the elected presidency is a major constitutional and political change in Singapore's history.

Under the revision, the President is empowered to veto government budgets and appointments to public office. He can also examine the Government's exercise of its powers under the Internal Security Act and religious harmony laws, and in investigations into cases of corruption. The President must, however, consult the Council of Presidential Advisers before he takes a decision on some of these matters.

The first Presidential election was held on 28 August 1993. Mr Ong Teng Cheong was elected.

The second and current Elected President is Mr S R Nathan.

PRESIDENT Mr. S.R. Nathan. President since 18.8.99. For more info please visit www.istana.gov.sg

The CABINET

The Cabinet is led by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President, as the Member of Parliament who commands the confidence of the majority of the Members of Parliament.

On the advice of the Prime Minister, the President appoints other ministers from among the Members of Parliament to form the Cabinet.

The Cabinet is responsible for all government policies and the day-to-day administration of the affairs of state. It is responsible collectively to Parliament, and comprises the Prime Minister and the ministers in charge of the ministries of Community Development and Sports, Defence, Education, the Environment, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Health, Home Affairs, Information, Communications and the Arts, Law, Manpower, National Development, Trade and Industry, and Transport.

The Cabinet comprises the following members:

	PRIME MINISTER and Minister for Finance Mr. Lee Hsien Loong Sworn in as Prime Minister on 12th August, 2004.
	SENIOR MINISTER, Prime Minister's Office Mr. Goh Chok Tong Prime Minister - Nov, 1990 to Aug, 2004, Senior Minister - Aug'04 to date.
	MINISTER MENTOR, Prime Minister's Office Mr.Lee Kuan Yew. Prime Minister - 1965 to 1990, Senior Minister - 1990 to Aug, 2004. Minister Mentor - Aug, 2004 to date.
	Deputy Prime Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Law Prof S. Jayakumar.
	Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Home Affairs Mr. Wong Kan Seng
	Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. George Yong Boon Yeo.
	Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Mr.Lee Boon Yang.
	Minister for National Development Mr.Mah Bow Tan.
	Minister, Prime Minister's Office Mr.Lim Boon Heng.
	Minister for Trade and Industry Mr.Lim Hng Kiang.
	Minister for Defence Rear Admiral (NS) Teo Chee Hean.
	Minister, Prime Minister's Office Mr. Lim Swee Say.
	Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim.
	Minister for Health Mr. Khaw Boon Wan.
	Minister for Finance Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
	Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen.
	Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr VIVIAN Balakrishnan.
	Minister for Transport & Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Raymond LIM Siang Keat.
	Acting Minister for Manpower Mr Gan Kim Yong

For more information, please visit www.cabinet.gov.sg