Presidential Council for Minority Rights is formed

The idea for the Presidential Council for Minority Rights originated from the Constitutional Commission on Minority Rights appointed by the government in December 1965. Helmed by then Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin, the council was formed to consider how the rights and interests of racial, linguistic and religious minorities could be safeguarded and enshrined in the Singapore Constitution.^[1] Most of the recommendations presented by the commission in its final report were eventually rejected barring the proposal for a non-elected, advisory “Council of State” to act as a check against the enactment of discriminatory laws.^[2] Provisions for the creation of such a government body were subsequently made under the 1969 constitutional amendments.^[3] Set up in May 1970, the Presidential Council was renamed the Presidential Council for Minority Rights in 1973 to better reflect its role.^[4]

The council bears the responsibility of drawing attention to any bill or legislation that it deems disadvantageous to any racial or religious community in Singapore.^[5] It will also consider and report on matters affecting any racial or religious community referred to it by parliament or the government.^[6] Under the amended Singapore Constitution, the council comprises a chairman, not more than 10 life members, and not more than 10 members who are appointed on a three-year term.^[7]

References
1. Protection of minorities. (1965, December 23). The Straits Times, p. 16. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Chew, E., & Lee, E. (Eds.). (1991). A history of Singapore (pp. 159–161). Singapore: Oxford University Press. Call no.: RSING 959.57 HIS.
2. Cheah, B. K., & Yeo, T. J. (1966, December 22). Yes: ‘Watchdog’ council No: Ombudsman. The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
3.’Watchdog’ council a guard for the minority. (1969, June 13). The Straits Times, p. 8. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
4. Mr. Justice Wee to head the President’s Council. (1970, April 28). The Straits Times, p. 1; President Council will deal only with minority rights. (1973, February 17). The Straits Times, p. 11. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
5. The Statutes of the Republic of Singapore. Constitution of the Republic of Singapore. (1999 Rev. ed.). Part VII, Art. 68 and Art. 77. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from Attorney-General's Chambers  website: http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=fadfb638-9566-417c-ae6b-b68384ce5834;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22cf2412ff-fca5-4a64-a8ef-b95b8987728e%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0#legis
6. The Constitution, Part VII, Art. 76.
7. The Constitution, Part VII, Art. 69.