The Presidential Council for Minority Rights

The Presidential Council for Minority Rights is a critical organ of the state that protects the rights of the minority communities, including Tamils. It traces its origins to 1965, the year Singapore became independent. The idea for the Presidential Council for Minority Rights originated from the Constitutional Commission on Minority Rights appointed by the government in December 1965, just four months after Independence.  The Commission, headed by then Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin, was formed to consider how the rights and interests of racial, linguistic and religious minorities could be safeguarded and enshrined in the Singapore Constitution. However, most of the recommendations presented by the commission in its final report were eventually declined. One idea that found acceptance was a proposal for a non-elected, advisory “Council of State” to act as a check against the enactment of discriminatory laws.

Subsequently, provisions for the creation of such a government body were enacted under the 1969 constitutional amendments and the Presidential Council was set up in May 1970. The Presidential Council was renamed the Presidential Council for Minority Rights (PCMR) in 1973 to better reflect its role. The role and functions of the PCMR included the examination of all legislation to ensure that they are not disadvantageous to any racial or religious community; consideration of matters affecting any racial or religious community referred by Parliament or the Government; and provision of advice to the President on nominations to Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, Malay Community Committee and Indian and Other Minorities Communities Committee. The latter two committees are part of the Group Representation Constituency scheme, which also benefits minority communities in Singapore. Members of the PCMR are appointed by the President on the advice of the Cabinet. Members typically include the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister and/ or Senior Ministers, and Cabinet Ministers, some of whom represent the minority communities. Prominent representatives of ethnic and religious communities are also included in the council. 

The PCMR reviews all laws passed by Parliament to check for potential discrimination. Specific cases involving the Indian or Tamil community could revolve around any legislation that disproportionately affects this group or its interests. The council’s role is typically procedural, offering feedback on legislation, rather than resolving individual community issues. 

For instance, if laws regarding employment practices were perceived to affect Indian Singaporeans disproportionately, the PCMR could review such legislation to ensure they do not disadvantage them on racial grounds. If laws or policies related to public religious festivals or the operation of places of worship (e.g., Hindu temples) are passed that might affect the Indian community, these could be reviewed by the PCMR. This ensures religious freedom is respected and no community is unfairly restricted. If education-related legislation seemed to affect the teaching of Tamil or the preservation of Indian culture and heritage, the PCMR could examine it to ensure there is no undue discrimination. The PCMR operates primarily as a constitutional safeguard, ensuring the protection of all minority groups, including the Indian and Tamil communities, within Singapore's legal framework.



For more information
“Other Presidential Councils.” President of the Republic of Singapore. Accessed on 1 August 2025. https://www.istana.gov.sg/Presidents-Office/Other-Presidential-Councils
“Presidential Council for Minority Rights is formed.” National Library Board Singapore. Accessed on 1 August 2025. https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=84e97e5f-1d0b-4f1f-84f7-b69f758c84e4
Tan, Yee Lin. “Presidential Council for Minority Rights.” Singapore Infopedia. Accessed on 1 August 2025. https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=98b489aa-a067-4c08-95ea-7ba69fb42e8e 

தமிழில் வாசிக்க

Return to home page

About the Encyclopedia

The information in this article is valid as of August 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit here.