Latest news with #WalidJumblatt
Independent Singapore
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
'Gradual, not radical': NUS political economist weighs in on cabinet reshuffle
SINGAPORE: Singapore's latest cabinet reshuffle, announced earlier this week, has sparked a wave of commentary across political circles, but one voice that stood out was that of Dr. Walid Jumblatt Abdullah, a political scientist and economist at NUS, who took to Facebook with a concise five-point reflection on what the changes reveal about the People's Action Party's (PAP) leadership strategy and internal dynamics. Source: Walid J. Abdullah Facebook 1. Gradual, not radical change Dr. Walid opened his post with what has become a common observation of the PAP's governing style: incrementalism. 'When the PAP government makes changes, it does so slowly,' he noted, adding that the latest reshuffle was a delicate balancing act between present competence and future-readiness. While familiar faces from the third-generation (3G) leadership—such as Lee Hsien Loong, K Shanmugam, and Gan Kim Yong—remain in key roles, the promotion of 4G leaders and a quiet nod to 5G aspirants signal the party's slow pivot towards generational renewal. 2. The emergence of power centres Without explicitly naming a new Deputy Prime Minister, the PAP has consolidated influence among select senior figures instead. Dr. Walid highlighted Chan Chun Sing, Ong Ye Kung, and PM Lawrence Wong as the 'power centres' of this generation, while Shanmugam continues his longstanding role in legal and home affairs. He further pointed out that the designation of coordinating ministers—without major title changes—sheds light on the internal power-sharing logic that defines today's cabinet. 3. Promotions and political succession Two new Acting Ministers—David Neo and Jeffrey Siow—were named, and a number of newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) were appointed as Political Office Holders. While such moves often invite speculation about who's 'next in line,' Walid tempers that enthusiasm. 'After 2011, media outlets ran lists of potential PMs, but none of them eventually became that,' he wrote. The takeaway? Succession is never guaranteed, and political fortunes can shift quickly, sometimes within weeks. 4. Elections have consequences Dr. Walid emphasised that electoral performance still matters in Singapore's technocratic meritocracy. Citing Baey Yam Keng's and Sun Xueling's promotions, he framed their rise as 'a nod to the strong ground work they have done in their constituencies,' suggesting that political reward systems remain closely tied to voter trust and local engagement. See also Pritam Singh included in global list of "NEXT LEFT ICONS" 5. Muslim affairs: A sensitive transition In one of his more candid reflections, Dr. Walid addressed the replacement of Masagos Zulkifli as Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs—a move he deemed 'inevitable' given the socio-political tensions in the lead-up to the election. The appointment of Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim was described as both strategic and sincere. 'Prof Faishal is quite liked by many Malays/Muslims,' Walid observed, adding that his own interactions with Faishal have been 'nothing but positive.' The transition, he believes, may restore goodwill within segments of the community still seeking authentic representation. Notably, Walid ended with optimism, naming younger Malay leaders like Zulhilmi Rahim, Rahayu Mahzam, and Dr. Syed Harun as promising figures in the pipeline. Analysis: Continuity with calibration Dr. Walid's reflections offer an inside-out look at the PAP's slow-but-steady approach to leadership renewal. Far from a dramatic overhaul, the new cabinet appears to be calibrated for both immediate governance and long-term succession. In a party where optics, order, and strategy intertwine, the real story isn't just who got promoted, but how carefully power is being shared, tested, and transitioned.
L'Orient-Le Jour
08-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Jumblatt thanks Macron after Sharaa's visit to the Elysee
Druze leader Walid Jumblatt thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his "courage and audacity," following the reception at the Elysee on Wednesday of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, during a first controversial visit to the West by the de facto leader of Syria. "Dear President Macron, I congratulate you on your courage and audacity in favor of the advent of a new Syria, free from oppression and dictatorship, in the face of dismantling projects carried by certain external powers. Thank you for this great support in favor of the stability of Syria and Lebanon," wrote the former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP). Last Friday, Jumblatt traveled for the second time to Syria to meet its new leader, since the fall of the dictatorial regime of Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, 2024. After the deadly clashes that occurred about ten days ago between Syrian Druze and Sunnis, raising fears of a threat of partition of the country, the former PSP leader renewed his unconditional support for the unity of Syria, on which he largely believes Lebanon's unity depends. For Jumblatt, it is about vigorously defending the Arab anchoring of the Druze and refusing Israel any alleged right to defend this community, which has a significant presence in southern Syria, at the border with the Hebrew state. Israel is accused by some experts of wanting to sow division in this country, a precursor to the partition of the country, notably to avoid having a strong Islamist power at its border.
L'Orient-Le Jour
06-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
What impact will the developments in Syria have on Lebanon?
Can Lebanon remain shielded from the turmoil shaking the region — from Syria to Iran, including Gaza?Just a few months ago, in December, there was room for cautious optimism. With the fall of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria, many believed that hope was on the horizon. The tyrant's ouster appeared to signal a potential end to Syrian interference in Lebanon's affairs, progress toward resolving the refugee crisis, and the beginning of the end for a totalitarian sentiment was especially strong in Lebanon, where the Syrian regime had long weighed heavily on political and security dynamics. It was no coincidence that Druze leader Walid Jumblatt was the first major figure to meet with Syria's new strongman, Ahmad al-Sharaa, seeking to open a new and promising chapter with reality quickly caught up with hope. In this...
LBCI
02-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Former PSP leader Walid Jumblatt on his way to Damascus for meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa: LBCI reports
According to LBCI sources, former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, is on his way to Damascus for a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
LBCI
02-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Jumblatt holds meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa
Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt has met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in a low-profile visit to Damascus on Friday, LBCI has learned. The meeting took place at the Syrian Presidential Palace and was kept away from the media.
