Singapore: J Y Pillay, a veteran Indian official, was appointed Friday as Acting President of Singapore until a new head of state is sworn in later this month.
Pillay, 83, took over Tony Tan Keng Yam, who completed a six-year term on Thursday. Pillay, chair of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA), will act as the president until after the day of the vote on September 23 – or after the nomination day on September 13, if a candidate is elected without opposition.
When the position of president is vacant, the first in line to exercise his powers is the president of the CPA, followed by the Speaker of Parliament, The Straits Times said.
This is the first time the office has fallen vacant since the elected presidency was introduced in 1991, according to the report.
Pillay is no stranger to the exercise of the president’s powers. He has been the acting president every time the president goes on a trip abroad. He acted as president in May, when Tan made state visits to Europe.
Pillay has served for more than 60 such “stunts” – the longest of which was 16 days in April and May of 2007 when then President S R Nathan visited Africa.
Three candidates of Malay origin are expected to stand for election for the post of the president is reserved this time for a representation of minority groups in the highest office on earth.
