The attorney-general of Singapore is the public prosecutor of the Republic of Singapore, and legal adviser to the Government of Singapore. The functions of the attorney-general are carried out with the assistance of the deputy attorney-general and the solicitor-general, through the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC). The attorney-general is appointed by the president, on the advice of the prime minister, under Article 35 of the Constitution of Singapore. Unlike some countries that follow the Westminster parliamentary model, the attorney-general is not a Member of Parliament (MP). The office of Attorney-General was established in 1867, when the British Crown appointed the attorney-general of the Straits Settlements, based in Singapore, to serve as legal adviser to the new Crown colony's government. Functions The attorney-general of Singapore has two distinct roles: legal adviser to the Singapore Government; and public prosecutor, assisted by legal officers in the four divisions under the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC). Legal Adviser to the Government The attorney-general's role as the Government's legal adviser is performed by the AGC's Civil Division. The functions of the attorney-general include advising ministries and organs of state on legal matters, drafting and vetting contracts and legal documents and representing the Government in international initiatives and litigation matters, among others. He is also the Protector of Charities. The International Affairs Division advises Government agencies on international-law issues, represents Singapore in bilateral and multilateral negotiations, and negotiates and drafts multilateral and bilateral legal instruments, among other roles. The Legislation Division comprises four groups. The Law Drafting Group drafts legislation and advises Government agencies on development of legislation. The Legislative Editorial and Revision Group undertakes law revision. The Law Publication Group maintains Singapore Statutes Online, among other duties. The Business Services and Governance Group provides administrative support to the other groups. Public Prosecutor The attorney-general's role as the public prosecutor is performed by the AGC's Crime Division. Prosecutorial discretion grants the attorney-general the power to institute, conduct or discontinue any prosecution at the attorney-general's discretion. In criminal law, it is the role of the prosecution to discharge its burden, a must to first prove its case in a court of law against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. In general, it is not for the accused to prove his innocence, since the accused is innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. History Pre-1867 Between the grant of the Second Charter of Justice in 1826 and the formation of the Crown colony