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At the opening of a new parliamentary session, the Mace will not be present in the Chamber because the ceremony is presided by the President of Singapore. This is consistent with the practices of the House of Commons where the Mace is covered or left outside when the Queen is present.
The convention is the Mace being the symbol of the Royal authority delegated to the Commons, it is not necessary to display the Mace when the Sovereign is present. Similarly in Singapore when the President is present, the Mace is not displayed.
