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Independent Singapore
22-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
PM Wong's New Cabinet: Masagos loses Muslim Affairs portfolio, first-term MP Jeffrey Siow and David Neo take Transport and MCCY roles
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled his first full cabinet since the 2025 General Election, in which the ruling People's Action Party won 87 of the parliamentary seats with 65.57% of the national votes. Mr Gan Kim Yong, dubbed as the 'Taskforce Man' during the election, remained as the only Deputy Prime Minister (DPM). Mr Gan will continue to serve as the Minister for Trade and Industry, while Dr Tan See Leng, who is the Minister for Manpower, has been appointed as the Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry. 'He (DPM Gan) will continue to coordinate our efforts on the economy, including his role as Chairman of the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce. He continues with his other responsibilities as Chairman of MAS, and the minister overseeing the Strategy Group in the Prime Minister's Office. He will take on additional duties, including overseeing our work on climate change and population,' said PM Wong during the unveiling of his cabinet on Wednesday, May 21. Although PM Wong did not name a second DPM, he has promoted three Ministers to the role of Coordinating Minister. PM Wong will continue as the Finance Minister, while Mr Lee Hsien Loong remains as Singapore's Senior Minister. Mr K Shanmugam is appointed as the Coordinating Minister for National Security, while Mr Chan Chun Sing, and Mr Ong Ye Kung are now Singapore's Coordinating Ministers for Public Services and Social Policies respectively. 'As I rejoin MINDEF, I am acutely aware of the changed world we are living in. It will require us to re-examine our fundamental operating assumptions, and evolve new capabilities to inspire a new generation to serve with grit and gumption. 'Regardless of MOE, MINDEF or the Public Service, we will work hard for Singapore to remain distinguished and to continue defying the odds of history. Together, we will keep building a Singapore which all Singaporeans can be proud of,' posted Mr Chan on his social media after PM Wong's announcement. NEW MINISTER-IN-CHARGE OF MUSLIM AFFAIRS One of the changes in the new cabinet by PM Wong is the Minister-in-Charge for Muslim Affairs portfolio, previously led by Mr Masagos Zulkifli since 2018. The Prime Minister has now appointed Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim as the Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, in addition to his appointment as Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mr Zaqy Mohamad, who is currently the deputy chairman of MENDAKI, will take over from Masagos as chairman of the Malay / Muslim community self-help group which was founded in 1982 to uplift the academic performance of the community in Singapore through education and lifelong learning. 'Faishal and Zaqy, together with our other Malay / Muslim officeholders and MPs, will continue to engage the Malay / Muslim community closely – building on the strong foundations we have today, and working with the community to realise our shared goals. 'I will work closely with them too. Engaging the Malay / Muslim community was a priority for me in the last term; and it will continue to be a priority in this new term of government,' explained PM Wong. Assoc. Prof Faishal (extreme left) pictured with Marine Parade GRC MPs during Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's 84th birthday celebration. (Photo: Facebook screengrab / This move was closely watched and anticipated by many political observers after Mr Masagos' Tampines GRC team faced a strong challenge from the Workers' Party, led by former Aljunied GRC MP Mr Faisal Manap, in the recent election. Despite securing 52.02% of the votes (71,589), the PAP's reduced margin highlighted shifting voter sentiments in the constituency. In the four-corner contest, WP's secured 47.37% (65,197), while the People's Power Party and the National Solidarity Party forfeited their election deposit as they received a paltry 0.43% and 0.18% of the votes. Online reactions were mixed with the new appointment for the Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs. While several commenters welcomed the move, some felt that Mr Masagos should not be blame entirely for the team's performance in the election and instead the move should be seen as a renewal process. '…the most consequential appointment from this election is Masagos losing his Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs portfolio. He has been proven to be extremely unpopular among the Malay Muslim community,' said one forum user on Reddit. See also Morning Digest, Apr 24 In another social media thread, a netizen commented, 'While the Tampines GRC was seen as a battle between Masagos and Faisal, his (Masagos) perceived declined popularity in Tampines should not be seen as a rejection by the entire Malay / Muslim community in Singapore. Is it timely that there is a leadership renewal for the post (Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs).' While Mr Masagos has been relieved of the Minister-in-Charge of Muslims Affairs, he retained the Minister for Social and Family Development post, which he was first appointed in 2020. Mr Masagos was first appointed as the Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs on May 1, 2018, taking over from Mr Yaacob Ibrahim (2002-2018). Prior to that, the portfolio was held by former Speaker of Parliament Mr Abdullah Tarmugi from 1993 to 2022 and Mr Ahmad Mattar from 1977 to 1993. FIRST-TERM MP PROMOTED AS MINISTERS As expected by many political observers, Mr Jeffrey Siow and former army chief Mr David Neo have been appointed as new political office holders. Mr Siow will replace Mr Chee Hong Tat as the Acting Transport Minister, while Mr Neo will take over from Mr Edwin Tong as the new Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. Mr Tong is now the new Law Minister, replacing Mr Shanmugam who will remain as the Minister for Home Affairs. Mr Chee, will now helmed the Ministry for National Development, and Mr Desmond Lee moving to the Ministry of Education. 'Familiar with land transport policies from his past experience as a civil servant. Of course, there is much more to be done as a minister. He will be stretched and tested; but I am confident he will be able to step up,' mentioned PM Wong during the media conference. Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow at Brickland Green Festival at Chua Chu Kang GRC. (Photo: Facebook screengrab / jeffreysiowzx) Mr Siow was the most senior ranking civil servant to contest in the 2025 election. He previously served as a principal private secretary to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong from 2017 to 2021. In his 24-year career in the public service, he had served in various ministries including in the Ministry of Transport from 2012 to 2017, before moving on to the Prime Minister's Office. In Jan 2024, he was the second permanent secretary in the Ministry of Manpower, before switching to the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Sept 2024. See also Young Democrats a pillar in Paul Tambyah's TikTok journey 'Jeffrey Seow trial by fire in his first term. He must be that good for LW to give him what is traditionally perceived as the most difficult ministry,' mentioned a Reddit forum user. Mr Siow took over the Transport portfolio from Mr Chee who was first appointed as the Acting Transport Minister in July 2023 after the resignation of former Minister S Iswaran. The swearing-in ceremony for the Ministers, Senior Ministers of State and Ministers of State will be on 23 May 2025, while the swearing-in ceremony for the Senior Parliamentary Secretaries will be held on another date. Singapore's New Cabinet (as announced on May 21, 2025) Lawrence Wong: Prime Minister and Minister for Finance. Lee Hsien Loong: Senior Minister Gan Kim Yong: Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Trade and Industry K Shanmugam: Coordinating Minister for National Security, and Minister for Home Affairs Chan Chun Sing: Coordinating Minister for Public Services, and Minister for Defence Ong Ye Kung: Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Minister for Health Vivian Balakhrisnan: Minister for Foreign Affairs Indranee Rajah: Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Second Minister for Finance and National Development Grace Fu: Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations Masagos Zulkifli: Minister for Social and Family Development Josephine Teo: Minister Digital Development and Information, and Minister-in-Charge of Cybersecurity and Smart Nation Group Desmond Lee: Minister for Education, and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration Edwin Tong: Minister for Law, and Second Minister for Home Affairs Chee Hong Tat: Minister for Transport Tan See Leng: Minister for Manpower, and Minister-in-Charge of Energy, Science and Technology Jeffrey Siow: Acting Minister for Transport, and Senior Minister of State for Finance David Neo: Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Senior Minister of State for Education Faishal Ibrahim: Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs
CNA
21-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Analysis: How PM Wong's new Cabinet mixes stability with laying out runway for potential 5G leaders
SINGAPORE: Singapore's newly announced Cabinet line-up maintains stability in key portfolios, while setting the foundations for the next generation of leaders, political observers said. On Wednesday (May 21), Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled his new leadership team on the heels of the People's Action Party's (PAP) victory in the May 3 General Election. While he did not appoint a second deputy prime minister, Mr Wong introduced three coordinating ministers for national security, social policies and public services. This is the first complete team formed under Mr Wong since he succeeded Mr Lee Hsien Loong last year. Mr Gan Kim Yong will stay on as DPM, continue coordinating the government's economic efforts and also serve as acting PM in Mr Wong's absence. Mr Chan Chun Sing will take over from the retired Dr Ng Eng Hen as defence minister, and has been appointed coordinating minister for public services. Mr Ong Ye Kung will retain the health portfolio and take on an additional role as coordinating minister for social policies. Mr K Shanmugam will relinquish the law portfolio, remain as home affairs minister and serve as coordinating minister for national security. LONGER RUNWAY FOR 5G TEAM A record nine new faces and backbenchers will be appointed to political office in Mr Wong's upcoming Cabinet line-up. Of the nine, seven are first-term MPs, including two acting ministers. Former senior civil servant Jeffrey Siow and ex-army chief David Neo will be appointed acting minister for transport and acting minister for culture, community and youth, respectively. Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Ms Jasmin Lau, Mr Goh Pei Ming will become ministers of state, and Ms Goh Hanyan and former Nominated MP Syed Harun Alhabsyi will be appointed to senior parliamentary secretary roles. Singapore Management University's (SMU) Associate Professor Eugene Tan said the lifespans of political officeholders are being reduced 'given the pace of political life' and the need for new energy, refreshed perspectives and fresh ideas. The 'accent' of this Cabinet reshuffle is at the junior ministerial level, he added. Noting that Mr Wong assumed the mantle of prime minister after 13 years in politics, Assoc Prof Tan stressed that the fifth-generation, or 5G, PAP leaders must be ready by 2035. 'Time is of the essence,' he said, adding that Mr Wong may want to avoid a repeat of the leadership delay Singapore saw previously. For example, Senior Minister Lee became prime minister in 2004, but his 'first serious attempt' at putting a fourth-generation, or 4G, team in place came in 2011, said Assoc Prof Tan. 'It would be a mistake to assume that a pause in leadership renewal is no big deal. It is precisely because of the vagaries of politics and uncertainties of political life that there must be no let up in readying the next generation of leaders to take over,' he added. The slate of new faces shows that Mr Wong is trying to give potential 5G leaders the space to grow and show their abilities, said Dr Teo Kay Key, a research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). Adding that the prime minister is providing 'quite a long runway' for them to develop their skillsets and experience, she noted that the first iteration of the 5G core leadership is 'shaping up'. 'But of course these are very early days and there would probably be more individuals who might be given appointments as they go along their political careers as MPs,' said Dr Teo. A FUTURE DPM FROM THE 4G? Coordinating ministers oversee wider issue areas, in the process ensuring that the policies of ministries under their portfolio do not overlap or conflict with each other. Observers said these coordinating ministers are below the DPM in the Cabinet hierarchy, but placed higher than other ministers. The focus areas they oversee reflect their importance to the national agenda, said Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy adjunct associate professor in practice Terence Ho. 'Responsibility for these domains is reflected in the new structure, along with public services, which is now being recognised as a key responsibility that cuts across ministries,' he said. Of the three newly announced coordinating ministers, the two fourth-generation or 4G leaders – Mr Chan and Mr Ong – could be frontrunners to become DPM in the longer term, said observers. 'The coordinating ministers would possibly be expected to focus more on their specific areas of national security, public services, and social policies compared to the DPM, who is more likely to be also expected to assist the PM in determining the overall direction of the country or the overarching national policy objectives,' said IPS' Dr Teo. The roles could also have been created to provide more leadership opportunities internally further down the line, observers said. 'PM may have felt that, since he had the service of several senior leaders in his team, and to continue to create pathways for rotation and newer politicians to get experience, the coordinating minister role would be a good way to facilitate succession planning,' said Mr Malminderjit Singh, managing director of political consultancy Terra Corporate Affairs. He noted that the coordinating role is usually done by more senior ministers and DPMs without a specific title. During Wednesday's press conference, Mr Wong said he continued Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam's work coordinating social policies after the latter became president, although he did not have the title of coordinating minister. Former PAP MP Inderjit Singh said: 'Another way to look at it is this: By having three coordinating ministers, it frees the PM to groom the future 5G leaders.' SMU's Assoc Prof Tan said that while the four senior leaders 'may effectively be operationally equivalent', the DPM role is still without par. A DPM could be appointed from the 4G cohort in a mid-term reshuffle, he added. A CHANGED DEFENCE LANDSCAPE Mr Chan will also become the defence minister, leaving behind his education portfolio. On Wednesday, Mr Wong noted that Mr Chan was formerly the chief of army and had also served as second minister of defence before, when explaining his decision to appoint him. 'He has deep operational experience and strategic insights, and I'm confident he will lead the ministry well and further strengthen Singapore's defence force,' he said. Observers noted that while Mr Chan has the domain expertise and experience, he would nonetheless have to get up to speed as the defence landscape may have shifted since he retired in 2011. 'One of the challenges that he might face is how the defence role has changed, especially when these days we also need to include the cyber and digital realm,' said independent political observer Felix Tan. He noted that Mr Chan's first big test will be how he carries himself at the upcoming Shangri-La Dialogue. Asia's premier defence summit will be held from May 30 to Jun 1 this year. The annual event is attended by representatives from all around the world. 'It is likely the military domain has changed, especially with how the international environment has changed over the past 14 years since he left the military, in terms of norms, technology, and other aspects,' said IPS' Dr Teo. 'Hence, he might have to first fully get up to speed on the changes as his first task as defence minister.' However, Mr Chan's vast government experience will lend itself well as he navigates his next portfolio, noted political observers. Since entering politics in 2011, Mr Chan has had stints in the areas of culture, community and youth, social and family development, trade and industry, and education. He is also only the second ex-senior military officer to become Singapore's defence minister, after Mr Teo Chee Hean. 'The combination of these experiences, together with his prior career in the military, likely can provide him with a fresh perspective of how to run the ministry,'said IPS' Dr Teo. SMU's Assoc Prof Tan noted that Mr Chan has displayed a 'penchant for ideas and values' as education minister, which is critical to the defence domain amid geopolitical rivalry and tension. Former MP Singh also added that the Ministry of Defence is a key ministry with 'huge spending', apart from the home affairs, education and finance ministries, so Mr Chan is well suited as one of the 'most senior and trusted' members of the Cabinet team to helm it. MUSLIM AFFAIRS KEY IN 'POLARISED' WORLD Most political observers agreed that the handover of the minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs role was timely, given that Mr Masagos Zulkifli had held the post since May 2018. In his place, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim will be appointed acting minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs. Before Mr Masagos, the role was helmed by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. Making the announcement on Wednesday, Mr Wong said Mr Masagos, who will remain minister for social and family development, had advanced many initiatives during his tenure that are now valued and appreciated by the Malay-Muslim community. 'We agreed in our discussion that … it's time to refresh the (Malay-Muslim) leadership and let new and younger office holders take over,' the Prime Minister said, adding that Assoc Prof Faishal was the 'best candidate' for the role. Experts were split on whether the PAP's team in Tampines could also have affected Mr Wong's decision. In the second-closest fight of the 2025 General Election, the team led by Mr Masagos clinched the five seats with 52.02 per cent of the vote in a four-way contest. The Workers' Party (WP) team led by former Aljunied GRC MP Faisal Abdul Manap chipped away at the incumbent's vote share, with his team winning 47.37 per cent of the vote share in the opposition party's first outing in the constituency. WP's performance in Tampines scored the party one of its two Non-Constituency MP seats in the upcoming parliament. PAP's victory in Tampines GRC this year was significantly lower than its winning margin in 2020, when it defeated a team from the National Solidarity Party with about 66.4 per cent of the vote. While the PAP's performance in Tampines could be one factor, the Prime Minister probably also sees that it is important to ensure that the next cohort of Malay appointment holders are in position to take on the role, said Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser, an adjunct principal research fellow at IPS. Adding that Muslim affairs are becoming increasingly sensitive and important, he said: 'Identity politics in a highly polarised, post-truth world, together with hard to solve perennial issues, will continue to be a sensitive issue. 'If not managed well, it could be easily amplified and weaponised.'
South China Morning Post
15-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Why Singapore's Gen Z voters are less satisfied with the election results
A recent survey after Singapore 's 14th general election has found that while most voters in the city state are satisfied with its outcome, less than half of Gen Z voters expressed approval of the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) resounding victory. Advertisement The study, conducted by market research firm YouGov and released on Sunday, polled 1,533 Singaporeans aged 21 and above between May 4 and May 9 in the wake of the PAP returning to power with 65.57 per cent of the popular vote and clinching 87 of the 97 parliamentary seats on offer. Gen Z voters, born between 1997 and 2004, pulled down the overall average of 56 per cent of respondents who said they were pleased with the outcome of the May 3 polls, with 47 per cent of those among the segment expressing approval, while 35 per cent said they were disappointed with the outcome. The election was Prime Minister Lawrence Wong 's first as the leader of the PAP, which has governed Singapore uninterrupted since before its independence in 1965. The survey also found that Gen Z respondents were less likely to feel optimistic about the future under the new administration, with 37 per cent indicating so, lower than the 50 per cent recorded among millennials aged 29 to 44 and the 56 per cent recorded among Baby Boomers aged 61 to 79. Advertisement This Week in Asia separately spoke to Gen Z voters about the election results. Several said their sentiments stemmed from the rude awakening that they had been in echo chambers, giving false hope that the opposition would make further inroads in parliament.
South China Morning Post
08-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Focus on Singapore cabinet reveal sidetracked by ministers' photos with Fujian gang member
As the dust of Singapore's 14th general election settles, attention has shifted to the next big reveal: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first cabinet, which could be in the coming week if previous timelines are any indication. Advertisement But over the past week, any post-election talk or discussion on what the cabinet could look like has been overshadowed by the publication of two viral photos of a convicted so-called Fujian gang leader with potential ministers. The denials by the ministers of any association with the money-launderer have been swift and firm. Before the distraction came to the forefront, Wong had spent much of his campaign last week urging Singaporeans to give him the strongest team to tackle the global uncertainties ahead. Voters had responded positively , voting in all members of the previous cabinet, including an ousted minister who lost at the polls in 2020, and newcomers whom analysts expect to play major roles in Wong's government. In the lead-up to the poll, three senior ministers – former deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat who was once touted to be prime minister, long-serving defence minister Ng Eng Hen and senior minister Teo Chee Hean – retired. Advertisement At a press conference on Sunday with local media soon after the election results, Wong brushed off a question on whether those flanking him on the panel early that morning were his core team. Those present were Grace Fu, K Shanmugam, Desmond Lee, Gan Kim Yong, Chan Chun Sing, Masagos Zulkifli, Ong Ye Kung, and Chan Hui Yuh. Chan Hui Yuh was not elected after losing in the Workers' Party (WP) stronghold Aljunied, while the rest had been cabinet ministers in the last 14th parliament.
South China Morning Post
08-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Attention on Singapore cabinet reveal sidetracked by ministers' photos with Fujian gang member
As the dust of Singapore's 14th general election settles, attention has shifted to the next big reveal: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first cabinet, which could be in the coming week if previous timelines are any indication. Advertisement But over the past week, any post-election talk or discussion on what the cabinet could look like has been overshadowed by the publication of two viral photos of a convicted so-called Fujian gang leader with potential ministers. The denials by the ministers of any association with the money-launderer have been swift and firm. Before the distraction came to the forefront, Wong had spent much of his campaign last week urging Singaporeans to give him the strongest team to tackle the global uncertainties ahead. Voters had responded positively , voting in all members of the previous cabinet, including an ousted minister who lost at the polls in 2020, and newcomers whom analysts expect to play major roles in Wong's government. In the lead-up to the poll, three senior ministers – former deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat who was once touted to be prime minister, long-serving defence minister Ng Eng Hen and senior minister Teo Chee Hean – retired. Advertisement At a press conference on Sunday with local media soon after the election results, Wong brushed off a question on whether those flanking him on the panel early that morning were his core team. Those present were Grace Fu, K Shanmugam, Desmond Lee, Gan Kim Yong, Chan Chun Sing, Masagos Zulkifli, Ong Ye Kung, and Chan Hui Yuh. Chan Hui Yuh was not elected after losing in the Workers' Party (WP) stronghold Aljunied, while the rest had been cabinet ministers in the last 14th parliament.
