Singapore’s Law Minister Edwin Tong defended the process for appointing the Attorney-General (AG), stating it balances executive responsibility with institutional safeguards. The comments came in response to concerns raised by a member of parliament who described the process as lacking transparency.
Appointment Process Detailed
Minister Tong disagreed with Workers’ Party MP Sylvia Lim’s description of the appointment process as “thin,” noting the Prime Minister is constitutionally required to consult with the Chief Justice and the chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) before advising the President on the appointment.
Following this advice, the President consults the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA) and independently assesses the appointment, according to Minister Tong. He made these remarks during debate on his ministry’s budget.
Previous Concerns and Current Reappointment
The discussion followed the recent reappointment of Attorney-General Lucien Wong, 72, to a fourth term in January 2026. Ms. Lim had previously voiced concerns in 2017 regarding Mr. Wong’s prior work with then Law Minister K. Shanmugam at the same law firm, and his role as personal counsel to then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in matters concerning the Lee estate.
Distinction from Other Systems
Mr. Tong highlighted that Singapore’s model differs from other countries where AGs are typically elected officials. He emphasized that Singapore’s Attorney-General is appointed based on “professional excellence, integrity and judgment,” and not as a politician.
Safeguards and Confidentiality
The minister argued against Ms. Lim’s suggestion for public disclosure of the appointment deliberations, stating that the constitutional requirements, the consultative process, and the performance of the office itself serve as safeguards. He noted the CPA does not publish its advice to the President, and the government is not privy to those discussions.
Mr. Tong explained that maintaining confidentiality is crucial to attract suitable candidates, as public discussion of their suitability or rejection could deter potential applicants.
Qualities Sought in an Attorney-General
The government seeks an Attorney-General with “unimpeachable integrity and strong moral fibre,” according to Mr. Tong. He stated the AG must provide objective advice and act fairly in prosecutions, even in difficult or unpopular cases, and uphold the law impartially for all citizens.
Mr. Tong added that the reappointment of Mr. Wong was based on his performance, citing his contributions to significant matters such as maritime boundary negotiations, legal reforms in the tax and financial sectors, and complex cross-border criminal cases.
Addressing Concerns About Succession
Ms. Lim questioned whether Mr. Wong was “individually indispensable,” given his involvement in ongoing projects, and if a successor had been identified. Mr. Tong responded that while no individual is indispensable, numerous factors are considered during the appointment process, including ongoing projects, the candidate’s stature, and reputation.
He stated that the government considers a range of candidates and assesses the need for change before making a recommendation to the President.
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