Singapore:
Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam on Friday reappointed former civil servant and entrepreneur of Indian-origin, JY Pillay, as his top advisor.
Mr Pillay was reappointed the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Advisors (CPA), the Singapore president's office announced in a press release.
"President Tan, in exercise of the powers vested in him by Article 37B(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore and acting in his discretion, re-appointed Mr Pillay as the Chairman of the CPA," the press release said.
"President, in the exercise of powers vested in him by Article 37B(1)(b) of the Constitution and on the advice of prime minister, has re-appointed JY Pillay as a member of the CPA," it added.
Both appointments were for a further period of four years, with effect from January 2, 2015, the president's office said.
In addition, Mr Pillay was sworn-in and reappointed as the Person Exercising the Functions of the Office of the President for a further period of four years, with effect from January 2, 2015.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted at the Istana, the official residence and office of the president of Singapore, and was attended by the country's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and members of the CPA, among others, according to the official statement.
The CPA, formed in 1992, advises the Singapore president in various areas, including safeguarding the past reserves of the government and key appointments in the public service.
Mr Pillay, 80, was first appointed to the CPA January 2, 2001. He has served as the chairman of the CPA since September 2, 2005.
As chairman of the CPA, Mr Pillay will exercise the functions of the president's office in the president's absence. If he is unavailable, this duty will fall on the speaker of parliament.