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Watchman, Watchdog,Warden and What more?:The Constitutional Role and Autochthony of the Singapore Auditor-General

Preston Wong

(2016) 28 SAcLJ 552

Abstract:
The Singapore Auditor-General has been an important constitutional office since 1991 but remains a severely under-examined institution in local scholarship. In 2015, the office received much attention after its findings on an opposition town council precipitated a protracted political debate. This article seeks to plug the gap in constitutional law literature concerning public finance accountability. It posits that as a whole, the office is moderately high in independence and effectively contributes to constitutionalism as a check on financial power. It further postulates that the office adds to Singapore’s constitutional autochthony. Finally, the article proposes reforms, referencing other jurisdictions.