Updated 9 Nov 2023:
This is in response to the Bill announced by Parliament.
Join us for Hong Lim Park
19th Nov, Sun 4-7p.m.
https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/stop-the-moonlighting-bill-tharman-must-resign-tickets-754915220747?aff=oddtdtcreator
Due to the complexities of the issue, this update is in 3 parts.
Part 1: Parliament should be suspended first until Tharman resigns from all his foreign appointments as his first duty as President in accordance with the current Constitution.
As a concerned citizen of Singapore, I am writing to express my deep apprehensions and pose essential questions regarding the "Constitution Amendment No. 3 Act 2023." This bill has sparked considerable debate and raised serious concerns, and I believe it is vital for Parliament to carefully consider the potential implications before passing it into law.
It is baffling that while the bill was made known on November 6, 2023, it seeks to apply retrospectively from September 14, 2023. The absurdity of this retrospective application must be addressed, as it defies the principles of good governance and transparency.
Since Tharman cannot technically hold any foreign positions and is currently incompatible with our Constitution, it is only right that until this bill is passed, I believe Tharman actually needs to RESIGN from his foreign appointments first to be compatible with the Constitution before he can give any assent to any bill. Until he puts himself back in compatibility, should he be allowed to perform any duties at all.
How can we allow the President to give permission to Parliament in a situation where he not only overlooks his own incompatibility, but further empowers him to change the Constituition?
In the meantime, Parliament should be suspended first until Tharman resigns from all his foreign appointments as his first duty as President in accordance with the current Constitution.
The creation of a new bill to allow the President to hold foreign positions sends a concerning message. It implies that the President prioritizes these roles over his commitment to Singapore.
It's essential for Tharman to resign from his foreign appointments before any bill or referendum is considered. This would demonstrate his loyalty to Singapore. If Tharman cannot do this, I strongly urge him to resign as President. We must protect the sanctity of our Constitution.
Now, I am of the opinion that until Tharman is prepared to do that can we then discuss the issue of Bill and the how problematic it is both administratively and constitutionally.
Part 2: Problems with the current bill.
The proposed amendment seeks to permit the President and Ministers to perform foreign and international roles in their private capacities if it is deemed to be in the national interest. While the notion of our leaders engaging on the global stage is not without merit, it is imperative to ensure that our Constitution and the principles of governance are upheld and protected. Here are the key concerns and questions that need to be addressed:
1. Blurring the Lines between Private Capacities and National Interests:
The bill lacks clarity in distinguishing between our leaders' private capacities and national interests. It is crucial to have precise definitions and safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that actions taken in private capacities do not compromise our nation's sovereignty or security.
2. Protection of National Sovereignty:
The Constitution explicitly states that there should be no surrender of sovereignty or relinquishment of control over the Police Force or the Armed Forces except through a referendum. The bill does not clarify how it ensures that the involvement of our leaders in international organizations does not compromise our nation's sovereignty.
3. Separation of Powers:
The bill should clearly define the boundaries between the roles and responsibilities of the Cabinet and the President. It is essential to maintain the separation of powers to safeguard against potential abuses and conflicts of interest.
4. Public Safety and National Security:
How will the bill guarantee that the President's participation in international organizations will not undermine national security, especially considering his control over the police and military?
5. Referendum Requirement:
The Constitution mandates that any amendment related to the surrender of sovereignty must undergo a referendum. How does the bill reconcile this requirement with the proposed amendments?
6. Transparency and Accountability:
The public should have access to information about the President's activities in his private capacity, especially when they have the potential to impact national interests. How will transparency and accountability be ensured in this regard when these organisations operate outside the jurisdiction of Singapore?
Part 3: Questions regarding WEF, G30 and such Foreign Organisations
The backgrounds of the WEF and the Group of Thirty are highly political in nature and they have agendas, like the GREAT RESET that may conflict on the sovereignty of Singapore and our National aims and agendas. Below are the list of problems associated:
1. Lack of Public Scrutiny:
These foreign organizations, including the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Group of Thirty (G30), operate in an environment that is largely insolated from public scrutiny. How can we ensure that Singapore's national interests are adequately protected in an environment where decisions are often made behind closed doors?
2. Leadership by Non-Elected Officials:
Many of these organizations are led by individuals who are not elected by the people of Singapore but represent foreign entities and individuals like Klaus Schwab, Bill Gates, Kessinger and many others who have strong political and personal agendas which are controversial and highly divisive.Many of their views also run counter to the religious harmony that we have built up since the foundation of our country.
How can we reconcile these foreign interests and decision-making processes with the Constitution and the interests of our nation?
3. Lack of Accountability:
How can the public be assured of accountability mechanisms within these international organizations, especially when they have no requirements as a private entity to answer to the people of Singapore. How decisions are made, who influences these decisions, and how do these decisions impact Singapore's national interest?
4. Transparency:
There is an urgent need for transparency in the activities of Singaporean officials, including Tharman Shanmugaratnam,and the list of ministers who is involved with organizations like WEF or G30. Are there undisclosed activities, agreements, or decisions that could potentially affect Singapore's sovereignty? What are the checks and balances and declarations of financial interests / perks that our officials are given from these organisations.
GIven that these are international organisations, it also means that they are outside the jurisdiction of Singapore and CPIB and our Singaporean authorities will not be able to audit and check. So how will the public be assured that these officials are not engaging in any commercial activities in this organisations?
While the case is still under investigations, but how do we prevent another case of Iswaran? It seems that a lot of his conflict of interests happened overseas.
5. Potential Conflicts of Interest:
The fact that Tharman did not declare his potential conflict of interest by holding on to his foreign appointments represent a very real concern that future potential conflicts of interest may arise and no one will be there to flag them out.
As the role of the President is largely ceremonial and not administrative, Tharman needs to explain to us why he is choosing to remain in them and declare all his past, present and future financial gains / perks if any from these foreign organisations.
6. Protection of National Sovereignty:
There has been emerging evidence around the world that exposed a blatant power grab by the World Health Organization (WHO), via their International Health Regulations and the Pandemic Treaty. In fact, I have a whole petition dedicated to this and you can read it on this page:
https://bit.ly/StopTheWho
We are naturally concerned about Singapore's involvement in these international organizations which could compromise our nation's sovereignty, particularly in areas that are critical to our stability, such as our financial reserves and health issues, which affect the life and death of everyone.
7. Impact on Policy Decisions:
Do participation in WEF or G30 influence policy decisions in Singapore? It is critical to ensure that Singapore's policies are made independently and in the best interests of its citizens. However, it seems that Singapore is in lockstep with every single WEF policy there is.
Perhaps the government can clarify which WEF’s policies it did not adopt so that we the citizens can have proof that we did not blindly follow these policies and that our politicians still put Singapore first.
8. Need for Transparency and Accountability:
Parliamentary oversight and public disclosure of roles, activities, and decisions within these organizations should be an integral part of the new legislation to ensure transparency and accountability for our officials who are being paid by public funds to be involved in these organisations. As such, we wish to know how are our needs being represented in these organizations.
Many of these organisations serve Big Corporations, whose aims run counter to the needs of the people. Their aims are mostly profit. How do our officials aim to resolve potential conflicts?
9. Public Involvement:
There is a need for ublic participation in decisions that involve national interests. Shouldn't the public have a say in the President's and Ministers' participation in organizations that may significantly impact the country?
10. Constitutional Safeguards:
At the heart of this bill is our concern for constitutional safeguards that protect Singapore's sovereignty and separation of powers between the cabinet and the President. The bill should not compromise these foundational principles.
In light of these concerns, I humbly request that Parliament ensures that the Constitution and the interests of Singapore and its citizens are preserved and protected. The bill should be scrutinized to uphold our national sovereignty, maintain transparency and accountability, and allow for international engagement that aligns with our core values and principles.
I kindly request that Parliament provide clear and transparent explanations for the concerns raised and consider the necessity of a thorough public discussion and review before moving forward with the bill.
I appreciate your attention to these concerns, and I trust that Parliament will make the best decision for the welfare and sovereignty of Singapore.
We do not want to be a mini America / Global Hub. We want to be Singapore, because we are Singaporeans.
Yours sincerely,
Iris Koh on behalf of all who signed my Petition.
Read about the Bill:
https://www.parliament.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/constitution-of-the-republic-of-singapore-(amendment-no-3)-bill-35-2023.pdf
Latest TikTok Videos
https://www.tiktok.com/@iriskoh11/video/7298616243270044929