Something interesting to think about

Article 22I of the Constitution

Restraining order under Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act
22I. The President, acting in his discretion, may cancel, vary, confirm or refuse to confirm a restraining order made under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (Cap. 167A) where the advice of the Cabinet is contrary to the recommendation of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony.

This is interesting because I remember that there was a question on why the racist bloggers were not charged under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act...

Quorum
56. If objection is taken by any Member present that there are present (besides the Speaker or other Member presiding) fewer than one-quarter of the total number of Members and, after such interval as may be prescribed in the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Speaker or other Member presiding ascertains that the number of Members present is still less than one-quarter of the total number of Members, he shall thereupon adjourn Parliament.

This is interesting too. We only need 25% of Parliament to be there to pass laws. So in the event that a small part of the parliament wanted to enact laws they could technically prevent 75% of our lawfully elected representatives from appearing. Now that sucks. It technically means 25% of our citizens could get what they want over 75% of the rest of us. Whatever happened to tyranny of the majority?

Interestingly enough our constitution does not state who has the power to make war. I suppose it is the President. The monarch traditionally holds the power to make war and is the traditionaly commander of the troops. The head of state i suppose is invested with all powers of the executive unless otherwise stated by law. So I suppose the President can make war without the consent of parliament, plus he is the commader in chief of our armed forces. We swear allegiance to him when we enter National Service.

Just some interesting things while looking over the constituion of Singapore.