PUBLISHED ONSeptember 14, 2026 9:00 AMUPDATEDSeptember 14, 2026 9:21 AMBYSean LerRetired Supreme Court Judge Choo Han Teck will chair the new Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony (PCRRH) from Sept 15, the President's Office announced on Monday (Sept 14).
The Council replaces the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, as the new Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act comes into effect, also on Tuesday.
The new law empowers the authorities to issue restraining orders against individuals involved in making content that harms or threatens Singapore’s racial harmony.
It also introduces a community remedial initiative, allowing those who have committed less serious race-related offences a chance to mend community ties in lieu of prosecution.
Safeguards against foreign interference will also be introduced, with some 300 clans and business associations here expected to be designated as "race-based entities".
This requires them to declare donations from foreign principals or anonymous donors.
During the Bill's debate in February last year, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said the legislation brings together existing statutes in one place and reaffirmed the importance of racial harmony in Singapore.
Under the Act, the Council is responsible for exercising independent judgement and working collectively to advise on matters affecting the maintenance of racial and religious harmony in Singapore.
It is also responsible for making recommendations to the President on restraining orders made under the Act, or the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.
In its statement, the President's Office stated that the PCRRH comprises representatives from Singapore’s major racial and religious communities, as well as individuals who have distinguished themselves in public service or community relations.
The composition is intended to provide the Council with a broad range of perspectives and experiences, the President's Office said.
Justice Choo Han Teck retired from the Supreme Court on Feb 20 this year, after spending more than three decades in public service.
He was described by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon as a judge with "exemplary judicial temperament".
"Han Teck has been held in the highest regard by the profession and by his judicial colleagues for his exemplary judicial temperament, his fairness in conduct of proceedings and for his clear and concise judgements, Chief Justice Menon said in a statement when Justice Choo's retirement was announced.
He added that Justice Choo had "played a vital role during a formative period for our legal system" and that his contributions helped build the foundation of Singapore's justice system.
According to the Singapore Courts, Justice Choo presided over a diverse range of cases with significant contributions to the development of Singapore's jurisprudence in criminal law, revenue law, employment law and tort law.
The Council's 11 other members are:
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