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  • Lee Hsien Loong Reminds PAP MPs Of Rules Of Prudence

    Lee Hsien Loong Reminds PAP MPs Of Rules Of Prudence

    All PAP MPs

    RULES OF PRUDENCE

    BEYOND SG50

    It is a tradition for the Prime Minister to send a letter on “Rules of Prudence” to all the PAP MPs after an election.  The context each time may be different but the subject remains constant, because integrity, honesty and incorruptibility are fundamental to our Party.  We must never tire of reminding ourselves of their importance.

    2.        Our Party has won 83 out of 89 seats in the just concluded General Election, with all seats contested. Overall, the PAP won 69.9% of the votes.

    3.        The people have endorsed what we have done in the previous term, and given us a clear mandate to take Singapore forward beyond SG50.  Now we must fulfil what we have promised to do in our manifesto. We must never break faith with the people, but must always carry out our duties to them responsibly, address their worries and advance their interests.

    4.        Be humble in victory. As MPs, always remember we are servants of the people, not masters. Do not mistake the strong election result to mean that our efforts have succeeded, and that we can afford to slacken. Much work remains to be done tackling issues which concern Singaporeans, and finding new ways to improve people’s lives. Listen hard to voter concerns, help them to tackle pressing needs, and convey their worries and aspirations to the Government. Persuade them to support policies which are in their own long term benefit, while helping the Government to formulate good policies and stay in close touch with the people.

    UPHOLDING OUR REPUTATION AND INTEGRITY

    5.        One vital factor that has enabled the PAP to retain the trust of Singaporeans all these years is honesty and integrity. The PAP’s reputation for clean, incorruptible government is one of our most precious assets. As PAP MPs, your personal standing reflects this high standing of the Party as a whole. I cannot stress strongly enough that every MP must uphold the rigorous standards that we have set for ourselves, and do nothing to compromise them. Never give cause for allegations that you are misusing your position, especially your access to Ministers.  That would discredit both you and the Party.

    6.        As MPs, you will come across many different sorts of people. Many altruistic, public spirited individuals will help you without wanting anything in return, spending time and money to get community projects going and to serve residents. But a few will cultivate you to obtain benefits for them-selves or their companies, to gain respectability by association with you, or to get you to influence ministries and statutory boards to make decisions in their favour. Gift hampers on festive occasions, entertainment, and personal favours big and small are just a few of countless social lubricants which such people use to ingratiate themselves to MPs and make you obligated to them.

    7.        You must distinguish between these two groups of people, and be shrewd in assessing the motives of those who seek to get close to you. At all times be seen to be beyond the influence of gifts or favours.

    8.        Be scrupulously proper in your contacts with government departments or public officers.  Do not lobby any ministry or statutory board on behalf of anyone who is not your constituent or grassroots activist.  Do not raise matters with public officers on behalf of friends, clients, contractors, employers, or financiers to advance their business interests.  Conduct business with government agencies in writing and avoid making telephone requests.  If you have to speak, follow up in writing to put your requests on record.

    9.        MPs are often approached by friends, grassroots leaders or proprietors and businessmen to officiate at the openings of their new shops or other business events. They usually offer a gesture, such as a donation to a charity or constituency welfare fund. Though it may be awkward to refuse such requests, once you accept one, you will be hard-pressed to draw a line. As a rule, you should decline invitations to such business events. If you feel you should attend, please obtain prior approval from the Whip.

    SEPARATING BUSINESS AND POLITICS

    10.      Separate your public political position from your private, professional or business interests.  MPs who are in business, who occupy senior management positions in companies, or who sit on company boards should be especially vigilant.  You must not exploit your public position as Government MPs, your close contacts with the Ministers, or your access to government departments and civil servants, for your personal interest or the benefit of your employers.  Your conduct must always be above board.

    11.      MPs who are employed by companies or industry associations may at times have to make public statements on behalf of their company or industry association.  If you have to do so, make it clear that you are not speaking as an MP, but in your private, professional or business capacity.

    12.      Do not use Parliamentary questions as a means to lobby the Government on behalf of your businesses or clients. When you raise questions in Parliament related to your own businesses or your clients, be careful to first declare your pecuniary interest in the issue.

    13.      You may, however, speak freely to Cabinet Ministers, who are your Parliamentary colleagues.  Ministers will listen carefully to arguments on principles, especially when they relate to the general policy of their Ministries.  But Ministers will not exercise their discretion to change individual decisions without very good reasons which they can justify publicly.  Parliamentary Secretaries and Ministers of State who intervene in their Ministries to reverse or alter decisions should promptly report the matter to their Ministers to protect themselves against possible accusations of misconduct.  The Government must always base decisions on the merits of the issues, and cannot yield to pressure from interested parties.

    DIRECTORSHIPS

    14.      MPs are often invited to serve on the Boards of private and publicly listed companies.  This is a sign that the private sector values PAP MPs’ integrity and experience, and reflects the high standing of the Party and of PAP MPs in general.  The Party permits MPs to serve as directors, provided you keep your private and public responsibilities rigorously separate, and your private appointments do not compromise your duties and performance as an MP.

    15.      The public will closely scrutinise your involvement in companies, because you are a PAP MP.  Conduct your business activities so as to bring credit to yourself and to the Party.  Adverse publicity on your performance as a director, or lapses in the companies you are associated with, will tarnish your reputation as an MP and lower the public’s regard for the Party.

    16.      You should not solicit for Directorships in any companies, lest you appear to be exploiting your political position to benefit yourself.

    17.      You should not accept directorships where your role is just to dress up the board with a PAP MP or two, in order to make the company look more respectable.

    18.      Some grassroots leaders are businessmen who own or manage companies.  You should not sit on any boards of companies owned or chaired by grassroots leaders appointed by you, so as to avoid the perception that you are obligated to them or advancing their business interests.

    19.      If you are offered a Directorship, you have to decide for yourself whether to accept.  The Party is not in a position to vet or approve such decisions.

    20.      Before accepting, consider the possible impact of the Directorship on your political life.  Ensure that the company understands that you are doing so strictly in your private capacity, and will not use your public position to champion the interests of the company, or lobby the government on its behalf.

    21.      Make every effort to familiarise yourself with the business, track record and background of the key promoters of the company.  Satisfy yourself that the company is reputable, and that you are able to make a meaningful contribution.  Specifically, just like anyone else contemplating a Directorship, you should ask yourself:

    a.         How well do you know the company, its business strategy, financial status, shareholding structure and the underlying industry?

    b.        Do you know your fellow directors, the way the Board and its committees fulfil their responsibilities, the reporting structure between Board and Management and the relationship between shareholders and the company?

    c.         Do you have sufficient industry, financial or professional expertise to fulfil your expected role and responsibilities as a Director?  Do you understand your obligations under the law and the Code of Corporate Governance?  Will you be able to discharge your fiduciary duties properly and without fear or favour?

    d.        Will you face any conflicts of interest, and if so can you manage them? If in any doubt, you should decline.

    22.      Once you have decided to take up a Directorship, please inform the Whip. Detailed reporting requirements are listed in the Annex.

    PARLIAMENT

    23.      MPs are expected to attend all sittings of Parliament.  If you have to be absent from any sitting, seek permission from the Government Whip.  Please inform the Whip if you have to leave the Parliament premises while a sitting is on.

    24.      If you travel abroad, or need to be absent from Parliament for any reason, you must apply to the Speaker for leave, with copies to the Leader of the House and the Government Whip.  You should also inform the Whip where you can be reached while abroad.

    25.      I have asked the Speaker to give all MPs, particularly new MPs, ample opportunity and latitude to speak in Parliament.  Your first opportunity will be during the debate on the President’s Address at the opening of Parliament in January 2016.  Following that, at the Budget Debate, all MPs should speak up.  Script your speeches or put your key points in note form to structure your presentation and help the media.

    26.      The public expects PAP MPs to express their views frankly, whether for or against Government policies. During debates, speak freely and with conviction.  Press your points vigorously, and do not shy away from robust debate.  However, please exercise judgement when putting your points across, and do not get carried away playing to the gallery.

    27.      Bring out questions and issues that Singaporeans and your constituents have concerns about, and grapevine talk for the Government to rebut, but avoid unwittingly lending credence to baseless gossip. This will show that you and the Party are in touch with the ground, and speaking up for Singaporeans. Bringing up pertinent issues and questions in a timely manner helps ministers to put across the facts, explain the reasons for policies and decisions, and maintain public confidence in the openness and integrity of our actions.

    28.      Your honest, informed views are an important political input to Ministers when they formulate and review policies. Ministers will accept valid, constructive suggestions, but they have to challenge inaccurate or mistaken views. Over time, the public will see that PAP backbenchers are as effective as opposition MPs, if not better, at holding ministers to account, getting issues fully debated, and influencing policies for the better.

    IMPORTANT PUBLIC OCCASIONS

    29.      On certain occasions, like the National Day Parade and the Investiture Ceremony for National Day Awards, the whole Establishment, i.e. the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, will be there.  Those who cannot attend must have very good reasons.  Those who have accepted the invitation must attend, otherwise they leave empty seats, which does no credit to them or to the Party.

    30.      At all public functions and constituency events, punctuality is of paramount importance.

    GIFTS

    31.      You should not accept gifts which might place you under obligations which conflict with your public duties. If you receive any gifts other than from close personal friends or relatives, you must declare them to the Clerk of Parliament who will have the gifts valued.  If you wish to keep the gifts, you must pay the Government for them at the valuation price.

    FUND-RAISING

    32.      Party Branches should not raise funds on their own without permission, for example by soliciting advertisements for a souvenir magazine or a carnival.  If you intend to raise funds, please clear it beforehand with the Organising Secretary.  When your branch embarks on a collective fund-raising activity, e.g. a Family Day or Walk-A-Jog, you must follow the rules strictly.

    FINANCIAL PRUDENCE

    33.      As MPs, you should manage your personal financial affairs prudently. Do not over-extend yourself or become financially embarrassed. This would be not only a potential source of personal embarrassment, but also a weakness which may expose you to pressure or blackmail.

    34.      In particular, be careful about making major financial commitments assuming that you will continue to receive your MP’s allowance.  While MPs typically serve several terms, you cannot assume that you will automatically be fielded in future General Elections, or that if fielded you will definitely be re-elected.  There is neither tenure nor job security in politics.

    DECLARATION OF INCOME

    35.      For your own protection, every MP should disclose to me, in confidence, your business and professional interests, your present employment and monthly pay, all retainers and fees that you are receiving, and whether your job requires you to get in touch with officers of Government Ministries or statutory boards on behalf of employers or clients.  Office holders need not do so because you will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Code of Conduct for ministers. This should be done by 31 October 2015.

    GENERAL BEHAVIOUR

    36.      The PAP has held our position in successive elections because our integrity has never been in doubt, and because we are sensitive to the views and attitudes of the people we represent.  MPs must always uphold the high standards of the Party and not have lifestyles or personal conduct which will embarrass themselves and the Party.  Any slackening of standards, or show of arrogance or indifference by any MP, will erode confidence in him, and ultimately in the Party and Government.  New MPs can pick up the dos and don’ts from older MPs.  You should conduct yourselves always with modesty, decorum and dignity, particularly in the media. You must win respect, not popularity, to stay the course.

    MEDIA PUBLICITY

    37.      I am releasing a copy of this letter to the media so that the public knows the high standards we demand of our MPs.

    LEE HSIEN LOONG

    cc: Government Whip

     

    Source: www.pmo.gov.sg

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

    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

  • Khaw Boon Wan – Why I Took On Transport Portfolio

    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

  • New Cabinet Formed

    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

  • Will Khaw Boon Wan Be Next Transport Minister?

    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