Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announces cabinet changes and political appointments, promoting younger leaders while retaining senior ministers for continuity.
SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (pic) on Wednesday announced Cabinet changes and new political appointments as part of the government’s leadership transition and following the recent resignations of political officeholders.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said that, except for a few, all appointments will take effect on July 27.
Key appointments include K. Shanmugam, who has been appointed Senior Minister while continuing to serve as Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs.
Shanmugam will join Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong as one of the two most experienced members of Wong’s Cabinet.
“They will continue to provide valuable counsel, and will help guide and mentor our younger officeholders,” Wong said at a press conference.
Meanwhile, Wong said the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) will be renamed the Ministry of Energy, Trade, and Industry (METI) from Oct 1, and will be led by two ministers: Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Tan See Leng.
Gan will continue to oversee Singapore’s trade and broader economic strategy while Tan will oversee energy and industry.
“He (Tan) has already been closely involved in these areas as the Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology. Now, he will devote his full attention to this portfolio, and relinquish his responsibilities at Ministry of Manpower,” Wong said.
The prime minister also announced the promotion of Jeffrey Siow and David Neo to full ministers. Their portfolios remain unchanged as Minister of Transport and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, respectively.
Wong also announced the promotion of Sim Ann to Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs.
On changes to the political officeholders, Jasmin Lau will be promoted to Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Ministry of Digital Development and Information while at the same time become the Acting Minister of Manpower.
Goh Pei Ming was also promoted to SMS for the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Alvin Tan will be appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will remain as Minister of State in the Ministry of National Development and relinquish his appointment in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Meanwhile, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng has been appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), while Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim has been appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
New additions to the political officeholders also include Foo Cexiang, who has been appointed Minister of State for Manpower and Trade and Industry, while Shawn Loh will be Minister of State at the Education and Health Ministries.
“We are giving the newer and younger officeholders greater responsibilities as they step up. At the same time, we are maintaining continuity and experience in the core leadership team.
“This balance matters because Singapore needs both experienced leaders to steer through immediate challenges, and a new generation ready to take us forward,” Wong said.
