Republic of the Philippines

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

Cauayan City, Isabela

Politics and Governance of Singapore

Introduction

Singapore is a small city-state in Southeast Asia, just north of the Equator at the
southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It borders Malaysia across the Straits of Johor
and faces Indonesia’s Riau Islands to the south. While often shown as a “dot” on the
map because of its size, Singapore includes one main island and several smaller islets.
The country has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen Af), with warm temperatures,
high humidity, and heavy rainfall year-round. Most of the land is low and flat, with
Bukit Timah Hill (165 meters) as the highest point. Since it has few natural resources
and no natural lakes, Singapore depends on land reclamation, reservoirs, and the
“Four National Taps”: local catchment, imported water, NEWater, and desalination.
The country also protects nature reserves like Bukit Timah, Central Catchment,
Sungei Buloh, and Labrador.

Singapore’s history goes back to its beginnings as Temasek, a trading center in

the 14th century. Archaeological finds at places like Fort Canning and Empress Place
show this early history. Later called Singapura, the settlement became part of Malay
political networks before Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819 and set it up as a
British trading post. Singapore joined the Straits Settlements in 1826, went through
the Japanese Occupation during World War II, gained self-government in 1959,
merged with Malaysia in 1963, and became independent in 1965. Leaders like Lee
Kuan Yew, Goh Chok Tong, and Lee Hsien Loong have been important in shaping
modern Singapore.

As of June 2025, about 6.11 million people live in Singapore, which also has one
of the world’s highest life expectancies at 83.5 years. Singapore is both multilingual
and multicultural. It officially recognizes Malay (the national language), English,
Mandarin, and Tamil, as well as other languages such as Hokkien, Cantonese,
Javanese, Punjabi, and Singlish. People in Singapore follow many religions, including
Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism, and Chinese traditional
beliefs. Social customs emphasize respect, cleanliness, courtesy, punctuality, modesty
in religious places, and sensitivity to different cultures.

Singapore has a high-income, open economy that depends on global trade,

advanced manufacturing, finance, and petrochemicals. Its merchandise trade is more
than double its gross domestic product, with key exports like electronics, refined
petroleum, and precision machinery. The country attracts significant foreign
investment, supported by clear regulations and low corruption. This is shown by its
global rankings: 3rd least corrupt, 4th in innovation, and 9th in human development.
Although Singapore faces challenges such as trade tensions, regional competition,
inflation, labor shortages, and an aging population, it is working on digital
transformation, sustainability through the Green Plan 2030, and regional cooperation,
such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

Singapore’s location, limited resources, multicultural society, and strong

economy all influence daily life and how the country is governed. Its dependence on
global trade, focus on innovation, and need for social unity have helped build strong
and efficient political institutions. Looking at these social, economic, and
environmental factors is key to understanding Singapore’s political system,
government, and policymaking.

Learning Outcomes

 Explain Singapore’s system of government, including the roles of the President,

Prime Minister, and Parliament.
 Describe the functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
 Examine the structure and influence of major political parties and their roles in
shaping policies and reforms.
 Evaluate how Singapore’s governance and policies contribute to political
stability, economic resilience, and global competitiveness.

Content

Government Name: Republic of Singapore

Singapore’s official name is the Republic of Singapore, which shows that it is a
republic, not a monarchy. In Singapore, elected representatives hold political power
instead of rulers who inherit their positions. Since gaining independence from
Malaysia on August 9, 1965, Singapore has maintained a stable republican system in
which the people exercise sovereignty through democratic elections and constitutional
law. Calling itself a “Republic” also reflects Singapore’s focus on meritocracy, the
rule of law, and building a national identity that goes beyond ethnic differences.

Constitution: Adopted in 1965; Supreme Law of the Land

The Constitution of Singapore is the basis for the country’s legal and political system.
It establishes the branches of government, defines their powers, and protects key
rights such as freedom of speech, equality before the law, and religious freedom.
When Singapore became independent in 1965, the Constitution was adopted. It also
grants the High Court original jurisdiction, meaning the court can directly hear
important cases involving the Constitution or serious crimes. The Constitution makes
sure that all government laws, policies, and actions follow democratic and legal
principles.

Government Type: Parliamentary Republic

Singapore’s political system is a Parliamentary Republic that combines elements of
both parliamentary and republican government. The President is the ceremonial Head
of State, while the Prime Minister leads the Cabinet and manages national policy as
the Head of Government. This setup is similar to that of the United Kingdom, where
executive power relies on parliamentary support. However, Singapore is unique
because the President has special “custodial powers” to protect financial reserves and
ensure integrity in public service appointments.

Chief of State: President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (since 2023)

The President is a symbol of Singapore’s unity and usually acts as a ceremonial
leader. Unlike most ceremonial presidents, though, Singapore’s President has special
powers to block government actions that could put the country’s reserves or public
trust at risk. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who was elected in 2023, is a well-
known economist and former senior minister. His election shows Singapore’s focus
on strong and impartial leadership at the top.

Head of Government: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (since 2024)

The Prime Minister is the head of Singapore’s government. As head of the Executive
Branch, he leads the Cabinet and carries out government policies. Lawrence Wong
became Prime Minister in 2024, succeeding Lee Hsien Loong, and continues to lead
the People’s Action Party (PAP), which has been the main party since 1959. His
responsibilities include guiding economic policy, national defense, and foreign
relations, while also maintaining the country's stability and earning public trust
through good governance and accountability to Parliament.

Singapore’s Government Branches

1. Executive Branch

Main Powers:
The Executive is responsible for running the government and making sure policies
and laws are implemented. It is led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who are
accountable to Parliament, not directly to the people.

Election Process:
 The President is elected by popular vote (plurality) and serves mainly in a
ceremonial but safeguarding role (e.g., vetoing budgets, overseeing reserves).
 The Prime Minister is not elected by the people; he is appointed by the President
from among the Members of Parliament, usually the leader of the majority party.
Election Cycle:
 The President serves a 6-year term.
 The Prime Minister has no fixed term and stays in power as long as he has the
confidence of Parliament.

2. Judicial Branch

Main Powers:
The Judiciary interprets laws and ensures justice is carried out. It is independent from
the executive and legislative branches, meaning the courts function without political
influence.

Election Process:
Judges are appointed by the President (often on the advice or recommendations of the
PM), but appointments are based on legal qualifications, not elections or party
politics.

Election Cycle:
Judges of the Supreme Court (High Court and Court of Appeal) are given life
appointments, although they may retire at a set age (usually 65–70, but may be
extended).

Court System:
Singapore’s judiciary has two main levels of courts:

Supreme Court of Singapore

Includes:
 High Court
 Court of Appeal

Functions:
• Handles major criminal and civil cases
• Hears constitutional issues
• Decides appeals coming from lower courts

The High Court has original jurisdiction, meaning it can hear cases for the first time.
The Court of Appeal is the highest court in Singapore, and its decisions are final.

State Courts (e.g., District Courts, Magistrates’ Courts)

Functions:
 Handle lower-level criminal cases
 Manage family disputes, community matters, and small civil claims
 Oversee traffic offenses and other less serious cases
Constitutional Review
Singapore does not have a separate constitutional [Link] constitutional questions
are handled by the Supreme Court, especially the High Court and Court of Appeal.

3. Legislative Branch

Main Powers:
The Legislative Branch (Parliament) creates and passes laws.

Election Process:
Parliament is made up of:
 12 members elected in single-member districts
 75 members elected through the Group Representation Constituency (GRC)
system, where teams of candidates run together and must include at least one
minority member
 9 nominated MPs chosen by the President to represent non-partisan voices
 3 non-elected members added through a compensatory list to ensure opposition
representation if needed

Singapore’s Parliament uses several electoral methods to promote fair representation.

Single-Member Constituencies (SMCs) each choose one Member of Parliament, with
the candidate who gets the most votes winning the seat. Group Representation
Constituencies (GRCs) are larger districts where parties run teams of candidates, and
the team with the most votes wins all the seats in that GRC. This approach also helps
ensure minority representation, since every team must include at least one minority
candidate. In addition to elected members, Parliament includes nominated or
appointed members to further broaden representation. These are Nominated Members
of Parliament (NMPs) from civil society, and Non-Constituency Members of
Parliament (NCMPs), who are the top opposition candidates who did not win their
races. This allows more opposition voices in Parliament, even if they did not win a
constituency seat.

Election Cycle:
General elections are held every 5 years, but the Prime Minister may call elections
earlier.

Re-election:
A presidential term in Singapore is six years. After finishing a term, a President can
run again in the next election if they still meet the requirements set by the Presidential
Elections Act and the Constitution. Each term needs a new mandate from voters
through a direct national election. For instance, President S.R. Nathan served two
consecutive terms from 1999 to 2011 after being re-elected in 2005, which shows that
re-election is allowed in Singapore.
International Organization Participation
 Singapore participates in many international and regional organizations,
including ASEAN, the United Nations, the WTO, APEC, the Commonwealth, the
IMF, the World Bank, and INTERPOL. By joining these groups, Singapore shows its
commitment to global diplomacy, economic cooperation, and regional stability. In
ASEAN, it works for Southeast Asian unity, while in the WTO and APEC, it supports
free trade and open markets. Being part of these organizations also helps Singapore
build its reputation as a small but influential global city-state.

Political Parties and Leaders

Singapore is a parliamentary democracy. One main party holds most of the power, but
there are also several active opposition parties.

1. The People’s Action Party (PAP)

⁃ it is led the country since its independence in 1965 and continues to shape
national policy and development. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong now leads the
People’s Action Party (PAP), taking over from Lee Hsien Loong in May 2024. Wong
is part of the 'fourth-generation' leadership, which signals ongoing stability in
Singapore’s politics. The PAP’s approach is centrist to center-right, focusing on
economic growth, meritocracy, practical governance, and social harmony. Under the
PAP, Singapore has grown from a developing port city into one of the world’s most
prosperous countries.

2. The Workers’ Party (WP)

⁃ it is largest and most influential opposition group. Led by Pritam Singh, it
supports a center-left, social democratic approach. The WP calls for stronger social
safety nets, more transparency, and checks on government power, while also backing
sustainable economic growth. In recent elections, the party has won more seats in
parliament and gained respect from Singaporeans who want greater political balance.

3. The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)

⁃ it is led by Dr. Chee Soon Juan, supports socially liberal and human rights-
focused policies. The party works for democracy, civil liberties, and fair welfare.
Even though the SDP has not won seats in parliament recently, it still plays a role in
shaping political discussions and debates about social justice.

4. The Progress Singapore Party (PSP)

⁃ it is another important opposition group. It was founded by Dr. Tan Cheng
Bock, who was with the PAP. The PSP wants greater political accountability, reforms,
and policies that address issues such as the cost of living and housing. Although the
party is still new, it has gained support from people who want more political choices.

Even with several opposition parties, the PAP still dominates Singapore’s politics. It
continues to win strong support because of its efficient government, low corruption,
and focus on long-term planning for the country.
Public Policies and Reforms
With new leadership, Singapore has introduced major reforms and policies to
tackle economic challenges, improve social welfare, and support sustainability. These
changes are designed to help the country remain resilient amid global uncertainties,
new technologies, and demographic shifts.

A key initiative is the “Refreshing Our Economic Blueprint” policy, announced

in 2025. This long-term plan aims to boost Singapore’s economic competitiveness,
attract foreign investment, and support inclusive growth. It highlights innovation,
digitalization, and a shift to greener practices, with a focus on creating good jobs and
building skills.

To address labor market concerns, the government launched the SkillsFuture

Jobseeker Scheme, which provides financial aid and retraining support to workers
who lose their jobs due to technological disruptions or economic downturns. This
program reflects the PAP’s commitment to balancing economic efficiency with social
protection.

To address higher living costs and housing issues, Singapore increased housing
subsidies and family support. Changes include more financial help for first-time
homebuyers, better Baby Bonus schemes, and longer paternity leave—now four
weeks instead of two, starting in 2025. The government also plans to offer more
affordable childcare and preschool spots for working parents.

Alongside social and economic changes, Singapore also introduced new fiscal
and business incentives to boost the private sector. In 2025, the government
announced a S$5 billion program to support the Singapore Exchange (SGX) with tax
rebates for primary listings and investment credits. This move is meant to help
Singapore remain a strong global financial center.

Environmental sustainability remains a key focus for Singapore. Through the

Green Plan 2030 and similar programs, the country is building more green
infrastructure, reducing waste, and investing in renewable energy. The government
also uses “Green Mark” standards to make public buildings more energy-efficient and
has set ambitious goals for achieving carbon neutrality.

Singapore has improved its support for charitable giving by increasing tax
deductions and government matching funds for community donations. These steps are
meant to encourage people to get involved and help build a stronger community.

The government also introduced new business and tax rules to match the global
minimum tax initiative. With the Income Inclusion Rule (IIR) and the Domestic Top-
up Tax, Singapore ensures multinational companies pay at least 15% in taxes. At the
same time, the country stays competitive by offering refundable investment credits for
innovation, sustainability, and research and development.

Economic & Risk Indicators

Index of Economic Freedom: 83.9 (2023) — This score, from the Heritage
Foundation, indicates Singapore has a highly open and competitive economic
environment, with strong rule of law and property rights.

Country Risk Rating: A2 — According to Coface (2023), Singapore’s political and

economic situation is very good, with a stable business environment and low
probability of corporate default.

Recommended learning materials and resources for supplementary reading

(2015-2025)

References:

Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (n.d.). Singapore

country brief. [Link]
Earth Site Education. (2024). Natural resources of Singapore: Where natural resources
are located in Singapore. [Link]
resources-of-singapore-where-nat ural-resources-are-located-in-singapore/
globalEDGE. (n.d.). Singapore: Government. Michigan State University.
[Link]
Grokipedia. (n.d.). List of political parties in Singapore.
[Link]
Holidify. (n.d.). The Culture of Singapore - Where East Meets West!
[Link]
Human Resources Online. (2024). Singapore ranks among top talent-competitive
countries & regions in 2024. [Link]
ranks-among-top-talent-compet itive-countries-regions-in-2024
Macroeconomic Research Office. (2025). Managing Singapore's Growth and
Resilience Amid Global Economic Shifts. AMRO.
[Link]
onomic-shifts
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2025). International Organisations.
[Link]
nisations
Mosaica. (2025). Singaporean Culture – Population Statistics. Cultural Atlas.
[Link]
on-statistics
National Population and Talent Division. (2025). Population in Brief 2025.
[Link]
ef_2025.pdf
Singapore Academy of Corporate Management. (n.d.). Geography of Singapore.
[Link]
pore-presentation/item/220-geography-of-singapore
Singapore Academy of Corporate Management. (n.d.). History of Singapore.
[Link]
pore-presentation/item/224-history-of-singapore
Singapore Institute of International Affairs. (2024). Navigating the Global Landscape:
Singapore's Challenges and Opportunities. [Link]
global-landscape-singapores-challenges-and- opportunities/
Tan, T. (2025). Life expectancy of Singapore’s population rises in 2024, marking
improvement over Covid-19 years. The Straits Times.
[Link]
-rises-in-2024-marking-improvement-over-covid-19-years
The World Bank. (2024). Singapore Overview: Development news, research, data.
[Link]
World Intellectual Property Organization. (2024). Global Innovation Index 2024 -
GII2024 results. [Link]
index-2024/en/gii-2024- [Link]