What is the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony?

The Presidential Council for Religious Harmony (PCRH) is set up under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA). The PCRH serves in an advisory capacity to the Minister for Home Affairs and the President. According to Section 4(1) of the MRHA, the PCRH has two functions:

(i) To consider and report to the Minister on matters affecting the maintenance of religious harmony in Singapore; and

(ii) To recommend to the President whether to confirm the Restraining Orders issued by the Minister.

All Restraining Orders have to be confirmed by the President before they can be implemented. The PCRH will be replaced by the Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony (PCRRH), following the passing of the Maintenance of Racial Harmony bill in 2025. The PCRRH will perform the same functions as the PCRH, but with an expanded scope to cover race-related matters.

Please visit https://legisgov.agc.gov.sg/Act/MRHA1990?WholeDoc=1#pr17E- for more information.