Changes will provide stability to system: DPM Teo

Singapore

MAKING the proposed changes in the Elected Presidency is like providing sufficient ballast to help prevent a ship from "pitching and rolling uncontrollably and capsizing", Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said on Monday when he pushed for constitutional amendments to beef up and bring the Elected Presidency up-to-date.

The proposed changes, which will raise the bar for candidates to qualify to be elected and to safeguard minority representation, will boost the president as a symbol and unifier of a multiracial Singapore and as a custodian of the nation's reserves and the integrity of its public services, said Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security.