PARLIAMENTARY PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL

Debate resumed.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand that there is a Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Mayor) Order 2002 which says that "Mayor is not considered as holding public office". Pensions are supposed to be given to public officers. Would the Minister clarify that?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, let me explain the confusion that Mr Low seems to have. The Mayor's post is created and appointed by the Prime Minister. We have to make sure and be clear that the post is not an office of profit, just like Ministers' posts are not considered as office of profit. Therefore, the latter are already in the Constitution. But in the case of Mayor, it is not. Therefore, under Article 2(5) of the Constitution, the President has made an order to consider the post of Mayor as not being an office of profit. That is the answer to his question.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House.

The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Wong Kan Seng].

Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.