Constitution of the Republic of Singapore · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 6 · The Legislature
64A. Continuity of Parliament
Feedback & supportLast amended by an amending law of 2020.
Clause (2) —
applies for a period of 6 months after the appointed date, and thereafter for a period of 6 months if —
Parliament resolves that it is or will be impossible, unsafe or inexpedient for Parliament to sit and meet in one place; or
the Speaker presents to Parliament a notice in writing given by a majority of all Members of Parliament stating that it is or will be impossible, unsafe or inexpedient for Parliament to sit and meet in one place; but(b)ceases to apply if Parliament so resolves at any time, but without prejudice to a fresh resolution under paragraph (a)(i) or a fresh notice under paragraph (a)(ii).
When this clause applies —
if there is only one place appointed under Article 64(2), at least one other place must be appointed;
arrangements (called in this Article continuity arrangements) may be made for Parliament and its committees to sit, meet and despatch business with Members of Parliament being present at 2 or more appointed places and in contemporaneous communication with one another; and
those arrangements may be —
prescribed by Standing Orders or resolution of Parliament; or
subject to anything prescribed under sub‑paragraph (i), decided by the Speaker.
A Member of Parliament who takes part in the proceedings of Parliament or its committees under continuity arrangements is taken to be present at those proceedings for all purposes under this Part, including for the purposes of Articles 46(2)(d), 56 and 57(1).
member
“member” means a member of the Council and includes the Chairman and any alternate member appointed under Article 37C.
Subject to any law enacted after the appointed date, the privileges, immunities and powers of Parliament and its committees as at the appointed date apply, with any necessary modification, to or in relation to —
law
“law” includes written law and any legislation of the United Kingdom or other enactment or instrument whatsoever which is in operation in Singapore and the common law in so far as it is in operation in Singapore and any custom or usage having the force of law in Singapore;
the proceedings of Parliament or its committees under continuity arrangements;
any appointed place from which a Member of Parliament takes part in the proceedings of Parliament or its committees; and
a person appearing before or attending Parliament or its committees at any appointed place.
In this Article —
“appointed date” means the date on which the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Act 2020 is published in the Gazette;
“appointed place” means a place appointed by the President under Article 64(2).
President
“President” means the President of Singapore elected under this Constitution and includes any person for the time being exercising the functions of the office of President;