Category: Politik

Former Air Force General Triple-Promoted To Senior Minister Of State

Former Air Force General and first term PAP MP Ng Chee Meng who has zero experience in managing the Transport ministry has been “triple-promoted” to become a Senior Minister of State in Transport.

Typically, a rookie MP will be first promoted to become Acting Ministers, and once they are in the position and gained experience for around two or three years, they become full Ministers. In Singapore, a full Minister will only become a Senior Minister after at least a term of 5 years. Although there is no directive, the traditional progression should be from Parliamentary Secretary, then to Senior Parliamentary Secretary then to Minister of State and then finally the Senior Minister of State. However, it seems not the case for first term PAP MP Ng Chee Meng who became Senior Minister right away on Lee Hsien Loong’s order.

Ng Chee Meng has been in the military all his life and never once stepped into the private sector nor into governance. His new appointment has no backing of merit, experience and credibility. Public confidence of Singapore’s public transport is already at its all-time low and looks poised to worsen.

Another first term MP rookie is Ong Ye Kung, who was also promoted to Senior Minister of State for Defence, when he has zero experience handling the ministry. It appears anyone can be a Senior Minister in Lee Hsien Loong’s new cabinet.

Source: http://statestimesreview.com

September 29, 2015
Khaw Boon Wan – Why I Took On Transport Portfolio

Taking over the hottest seat in town and what some analysts had described as a poisoned chalice, Transport Minister-designate Khaw Boon Wan today (Sept 28) was quick to make clear that he did not volunteer to take on the role this time — in contrast to how he had put himself forward for the national development portfolio in the aftermath of the 2011 General Election.

“I think you volunteer once, that’s enough. One should not keep on volunteering you know, people will misunderstand (and question) ‘what are you trying to prove?’” said Mr Khaw, who has been credited with turning the housing situation around during his four-year tenure as National Development Minister.

Speaking to reporters following a press conference by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to unveil his new Cabinet line-up, Mr Khaw said he was asked by Mr Lee to take over the transport ministry, which has been left vacant after Mr Lui Tuck Yew decided to leave politics before the polls earlier this month. Mr Khaw said: “But it’s an important job, obviously there’s a hole that has to be filled. So when PM asked me to do so, I readily said yes.”

From October, Mr Khaw will become the fourth minister to helm the transport ministry since 2006.

Today, he said that his first order of business is to improve rail reliability and encourage a “car-light lifestyle”. A major objective is to “further raise the quality of life for Singaporeans — make it easier for them to move about on feet, bicycle, bus, train and occasionally some driverless cars”, he said. “We are not there yet, so the question is how to move from here to that destination.”

Adding that he will be sharing some of his ideas in the coming weeks or months, he noted that the public has to be realistic about the MRT system. Even for Hong Kong, which has been touted as having the best rail operator, there were 12 major disruptions last year, he said.

Since his time as Health Minister, Mr Khaw has been blogging about his work. Writing in his first blog post as transport minister, Mr Khaw said that he was advised by “many friends” against taking on the new portfolio. But he agreed to Mr Lee’s request because of his “strong beliefs” in raising Singaporeans’ quality of life further, and making the MRT lines more reliable. He added: “I believe that a united Team Singapore can tackle any problem, daunting as it may seem. That was how we tackled SARS, and the 2011 housing crisis. That is what I will bring to the table.”

Seeking “understanding and patience” from the public, Mr Khaw said: “In housing you gave me four years. I hope that I will have some ‘honeymoon’ period too, as I dive into the details, know the people, learn from them, and especially those many unsung heroes, toiling away at night, over weekends, and behind the scene. You can be sure that I will be in the trenches with you.”

Mr Khaw will also be Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure — a role where he would need to “tie together closely the different aspects of urban planning and infrastructure provision — housing, commercial and industrial development, road and rail networks, even our IT infrastructure”, in Mr Lee’s words.

Analysts felt Mr Khaw’s success as National Development Minister possibly played a part in his new appointments, which they noted would enable him to ensure better coordination between traffic and land use planning.

Citing the property cooling measures, National University of Singapore (NUS) political science professor Reuben Wong noted that Mr Khaw has shown that he does not shy away from making tough decisions when necessary.

Pointing out that Mr Khaw is known as a “very good firefighter”, NUS professor Lan Luh Luh felt that he was the best person available to tackle the transport challenges ahead.

NUS transport researcher Lee Der Horng said Mr Khaw’s dual role means transport and land use planning will be “more synchronised and go hand-in-hand”. Over the longer term, Mr Khaw could look into better coordination between public transport operators and government agencies, Professor Lee said. He also suggested that Mr Khaw consider transport solutions such as pedestrian-only roads, public transport-only roads or having bus lanes in the middle of the roads.

Singapore Management University professor Terence Fan said that transport and infrastructure issues are inherently closely-intertwined. He added that he was glad the Government “recognises the need for a multidisciplinary approach to issues surrounding transport”.

SIM University senior lecturer Walter Theseira said Mr Khaw is likely to reap the fruits of Mr Lui’s efforts as “the tide has been turned” and public transport capacity issues have improved. Under Mr Lui’s watch, the Government rolled out the S$1.1 billion Bus Service Enhancement Programme, oversaw the building of new train lines and bought more trains. Nevertheless, Dr Theseira said that given that Mr Khaw had done a good job in his previous portfolio, “if anybody can pull together some sort of rescue package, it would be him”.

Source: www.todayonline.com

September 29, 2015
Damanhuri Abas: Sudah 50 Tahun Merdeka Tapi Mengapa AP Melayu Hanya Layak Sandang Jawatan Menteri Sekitaran Dan Yang Sewaktu Dengannya?

Jadi setelah 50 tahun merdeka, AP Melayu PAP hanya masih layak memegang jawatan Menteri Kesekitaran dan yang sewaktu dengannya.

Bagi orang melayu yang mengundi PAP, bersyukurlah dengan anugerah Menteri-Menteri Melayu ini yang membanggakan anda dan redhalah dengan hasil usaha bertahun-tahun anda ini.

Bagi kami di SDP, kita akan terus bekerja keras menentang sikap curiga terhadap bangsa kita oleh golongan minoriti ini. Kami percaya, setelah 50 tahun merdeka, ramai rakyat Singapura, yang berbilang bangsa, bersikap adil dan penuh yakin dengan orang Melayu di Negara kita yang tercinta ini.

Ayuh kita hidupkan kesatuan dan kesetiakawanan dengan majoriti bangsa lain yang bersikap adil dan jujur sesama kita.

Majulah Singapura.

Source: Damanhuri Abas

September 29, 2015
New Cabinet Formed
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled Singapore’s new Cabinet on Monday (Sep 28),

Mr Lee shuffled his team two weeks after the People’s Action Party took almost 70 per cent of the votes in a General Election in which the Prime Minister campaigned upon the need for strong candidates in Parliament to ensure leadership renewal.

“It’s an urgent task. We don’t have the luxury of time,” noted Mr Lee in a press conference on Monday where he announced the changes.

“I have given heavy responsibilities to the next generation of leaders. They will be stretched and tested, and must gel together as a team. By the end of this term, we must have a new team ready to take over from me.”

THREE COORDINATING MINISTERS

In total, there will be 20 Cabinet members, up from 19. Of the 20, half were elected in the last three General Elections, and half are below 55 years old, Mr Lee noted.

The key change to the structure of the Cabinet is the introduction of three Coordinating Ministers, each of whom will oversee a handful of related Ministries.

“We need tighter coordination across ministries to have a tighter, whole-of-Government approach to issues,” said Mr Lee in explaining the change.

The three are:
- Mr Teo Chee Hean (Coordinating Minister for National Security)
- Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies)
- Mr Khaw Boon Wan (Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure
Mr Teo and Mr Tharman will each remain Deputy Prime Minister, but relinquish their previous ministry portfolios. Mr Khaw Boon Wan will also be Minister for Transport, replacing Mr Lui Tuck Yew, who announced his retirement from politics ahead of the General Election.

Mr Khaw – who said he did not volunteer for the Transport post, but willingly agreed when approached by the Prime Minister – said his vision of the future Singapore was that of a “car-light” society.

“As Transport Minister, my major objective is to further raise the quality of life for Singaporeans – make it easier for them to move about on feet, bicycle, bus, train and driverless cars. One critical piece is an extensive and reliable rail infrastructure. We have launched huge numbers of rail lines – some 60 billion dollars’ worth – so when fully implemented it’ll be a big plus for Singaporeans,” said Mr Khaw.

“But in terms of reliability, we are not quite there yet. Let’s be realistic about such a complex system – it’s not rocket science but also not straightforward. There will be fires big and small but I hope for Singaporeans’ patience and we will do our best.”

NEW ACTING MINISTERS, NEW OFFICE-HOLDERS

In another change from the previous Cabinet, two ministries – Education, and Trade and Industry – will each have two full ministers, overseeing separate aspects within the ministry.

Those new to the Cabinet are Acting Ministers Ng Chee Meng (MOE, Schools) and Ong Ye Kung (MOE, Higher Education and Skills).

Said Mr Ong: “It’s a great honour to be given a complex and important role for Singapore’s future. The previous ministers have built exceptional system and I’ll strive to build upon it. My top priory it is to know how the ministry works and understand the entire system. I look forward to taking guidance from ministers and working with Ng and being part of the MOE family.”

Added Mr Ng: “Singapore recognises education is one of best gifts we can give to children. We have consistently invested here as part of our national strategy. I take on this heavy responsibility with enthusiasm and hopefully to value-add.”

Among the existing Ministers, those with a change of portfolio include Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (Foreign Affairs), Mr K Shanmugam (Home Affairs), Mr Heng Swee Keat (Finance), Mr Lawrence Wong (National Development) and Mr Masagos Zulkifli (Environment and Water Resources).

Ms Grace Fu will head a ministry, helming the Culture, Community and Youth Ministry.

“I’m humbled by the confidence PM has in me. I think MCCY has started off a good phase of development under Lawrence Wong. My priority is to engage stakeholders to build a committed community in Singapore,” said Ms Fu.

Mr Chan Chun Sing, who remains a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, will take over Mr Gan Kim Yong as Party Whip.

Three Ministers of State – Maliki Osman, Sim Ann and Desmond Lee – will be promoted to Senior Ministers of State, while the new office holders at Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretary level are Mr Chee Hong Tat, Koh Poh Koon, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Mr Baey Yam Keng and Mr Amrin Amin.

Apart from former Transport Minister Lui and former Senior Parliamentary Secretary Hawazi Daipi, both of whom asked to step down prior to GE2015, Mr Lee Yi-Shyan also asked to step down and return to the backbenches.

The full Cabinet is as follows:

PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
Mr Lee Hsien Loong – Prime Minister
Mr Teo Chee Hean – Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam – Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies
Mr Chan Chun Sing – Minister, PMO
Mr Heng Chee How, Mrs Josephine Teo – Senior Minister of State
Mr Sam Tan – Minister of State

DEFENCE
Dr Ng Eng Hen – Minister
Dr Maliki Osman, Mr Ong Ye Kung – Senior Minister of State

FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan – Minister
Mrs Josephine Teo, Dr Maliki Osman – Senior Minister of State

HOME AFFAIRS
Mr K Shanmugam – Minister
Mr Desmond Lee – Senior Minister of State
Mr Amrin Amin – Parliamentary Secretary

TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Mr Lim Hng Kiang – Minister (Trade)
Mr S Iswaran – Minister (Industry)
Dr Koh Poh Koon – Minister of State from Jan 1, 2016
Ms Low Yen Ling – Parliamentary Secretary

FINANCE
Mr Heng Swee Keat – Minister
Ms Indranee Rajah, Ms Sim Ann – Senior Minister of State

MANPOWER
Mr Lim Swee Say – Minister
Mr Teo Ser Luck, Mr Sam Tan – Minister of State

TRANSPORT
Mr Khaw Boon Wan – Minister
Mrs Josephine Teo, Mr Ng Chee Meng – Senior Minister of State

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Mr Lawrence Wong – Minister
Mr Desmond Lee – Senior Minister of State
Dr Koh Poh Koon – Minister of State from Jan 1, 2016

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim – Minister
Mr Chee Hong Tat – Minister of State
Dr Janil Puthucheary – Minister of State from Jan 1, 2016

ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
Mr Masagos Zulkifil – Minister
Dr Amy Khor – Senior Minister of State

LAW
Mr K Shanmugam – Minister
Ms Indranee Rajah – Senior Minister of State

HEALTH
Mr Gan Kim Yong – Minister
Dr Amy Khor – Senior Minister of State
Dr Lam Pin Min, Mr Chee Hong Tat – Minister of State

EDUCATION
Mr Ng Chee Meng – Acting Minister (Schools)
Mr Ong Ye Kung – Acting Minister (Higher Education and Skills)
Dr Janil Puthucheary – Minister of State from Jan 1, 2016
Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Ms Low Yen Ling – Parliamentary Secretary

SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin – Minister
Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim – Parliamentary Secretary

CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH
Ms Grace Fu – Minister
Ms Sim Ann – Senior Minister of State
Mr Baey Yam Keng – Parliamentary Secretary

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
September 28, 2015
Will Khaw Boon Wan Be Next Transport Minister?

He has handled complex issues and difficult portfolios while helming the Health and National Development ministries. And now, talk has intensified that Mr Khaw Boon Wan is set to take the hottest ministerial seat on offer when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announces his new Cabinet next week — that of Transport Minister.

The first hint of change came last Friday, when Mr Khaw, who has been National Development Minister since 2011, announced on his Facebook page that he was anticipating that the Cabinet reshuffle would “affect” him. He then suggested that his destination was one that the “bookies” were clear about.

Even before Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew left politics, Mr Khaw has been linked to the job, with many netizens seeing him as a “steady hand” who has done well in handling difficult issues in health and housing.

As Health Minister, Mr Khaw was deft in handling the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) crisis, reformed MediShield and restored public confidence in the charity sector after public uproar over misuse of funds at the National Kidney Foundation.

He then volunteered to tackle the prickly issues facing the National Development Ministry after the 2011 General Election. Since taking over, he has overseen measures to cool the runaway cost of private and public housing, fuelled the construction of more HDB flats and helped different groups, such as singles, buy flats.

His successes have led many to believe that Minister Fix-It, as he has been called, will be given the challenging transport portfolio, one that has seen three ministers in the last nine years deal with rising COE prices, unhappy commuters, overcrowded buses and trains, and service breakdowns. Should Mr Khaw get the Transport Minister job, he would be a good fit, said transport and political analysts The New Paper spoke to.

Source: www.tnp.sg

September 28, 2015