Gan Kim Yong to become new DPM in Singapore’s Cabinet reshuffle; no changes to ministerial portfolios
Lawrence Wong will remain as finance minister, even after becoming prime minister
MINISTER for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong will be promoted to deputy prime minister (DPM) come May 15, in a Cabinet reshuffle with few other changes.
In the reshuffle announced on Monday (May 13), he will remain Minister for Trade and Industry. With his new appointment, he will be the acting prime minister in the absence of the prime minister.
When DPM Lawrence Wong becomes prime minister from May 15, he will thus have both Gan and current DPM Heng Swee Keat as his deputies.
Explaining this choice at a press conference, DPM Wong said that in this initial period of transition, “it will be useful to have two more-experienced ministers as my deputies”.
Of Gan, DPM Wong added: “In this period of increased geopolitical tensions, his experience in international economics will also help us navigate a more contested global environment.”
Gan will take over from DPM Wong as chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and assume responsibility for the Strategy Group within the Prime Minister’s Office, which coordinates policies across the government.
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‘Continuity and stability’
The new Cabinet saw no portfolio changes at the full minister level. In deciding the line-up, DPM Wong said he aimed to “balance the need for continuity and renewal”, especially as the end of the current government term approaches.
Existing ministers have a “full plate of work to see through”, with some having just rolled out new programmes and initiatives, he noted.
“So to avoid any disruptions, I have decided to keep them in their present roles until the end of the term.”
For that reason, he will also remain as finance minister, even after becoming prime minister.
“Beyond this term, if my government is re-elected, I plan to rotate the 4G ministers to different portfolios,” he added, noting that some senior ministers are likely to retire at the end of the term or shortly after the next election, which is due by November 2025.
Political analysts whom BT spoke to agreed that Wong’s choice of deputies signals a desire for continuity.
“Wong wants someone who has experience, who he has worked with,” said NUS associate professor of political science Chong Ja Ian.
Singapore Management University associate professor of law Eugene Tan said the move to pick Gan and Heng could also be intentional as they are leaders with whom Singaporeans have become very familiar during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I wonder if he’s trying to say: ‘Look, it’s business as usual... it’s a seamless transition, minimal disruptions, but not only that, my two deputies are two people who have proven themselves during Covid-19’,” he said.
Yet the choice of Gan over a fellow 4G minister may cause some to question whether Wong’s peers are “solidly behind him” and ready to be his second-in-command, said Assoc Prof Tan. “It’ll set tongues wagging on whether Wong couldn’t find a peer whom he can work with very closely, and whether the 4G team lacks cohesion and unity such that a consensus candidate could not be appointed as DPM.”
Assoc Prof Chong said what was of note was that none of the 4G ministers were moved to take over the foreign policy or defence portfolio, given that none of them has held those portfolios yet. “That raises a question because, at some point, they will have to take over and... at a time when the world is a lot more unsettled.”
As for whether the lack of major changes signals that the next General Election may happen sooner than later, Assoc Prof Tan said: “It doesn’t give us any clear idea as to the date, but it just shows you the urgency.”
Wong’s pick of Gan clearly signals that the government wants to get to work quickly to deal with ongoing issues decisively before the next election, he added.
DPM Heng will no longer be coordinating minister for economic policies, but will still oversee the National Research Foundation as chairman.
Explaining why his new Cabinet no longer has coordinating ministers for economic and social policies, nor for infrastructure, DPM Wong said that such roles are no longer needed as issues become “more and more intertwined” and coordinating mechanisms between government agencies have improved.
He reiterated that DPM Heng’s role will not change, with the latter continuing his work in economic transformation.
There remains one coordinating minister: Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is coordinating minister for national security.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who will step down from his post on May 15, will remain in Cabinet as senior minister. He will continue as chairman of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council.
Promotions and new appointments
The Cabinet reshuffle includes three other promotions, also with effect from May 15.
Minister of State Low Yen Ling will be promoted to senior minister of state in her current ministries: the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, as well as the Ministry of Trade and Industry. She will continue to serve as mayor of South West District.
Minister of State Desmond Tan will also be promoted to senior minister of state, and continue in the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Trades Union Congress.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam will become minister of state, and will take up a new appointment in the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI). She will continue in the Ministry of Health, but relinquish her role in the Ministry of Law.
Separately, with effect from Jul 8, MCI will be renamed the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
The new name reflects the ministry’s role in “driving our national digital agenda”, said PMO in a statement. The MDDI will continue to also oversee information and policy strategy, media development and public communications efforts.
Two backbenchers have also been appointed as political officeholders. Bukit Batok Member of Parliament (MP) Murali Pillai will be appointed minister of state in the law and transport ministries, with this to take effect from Jul 1.
Jurong MP Shawn Huang will be appointed senior parliamentary secretary in the ministries of education and finance.
On Monday, PM Lee formally informed President Tharman Shanmugaratnam that he and his government intend to resign on May 15. He also advised the head of state that DPM Wong commands the confidence of the majority of MPs and should be appointed as prime minister.
President Tharman agreed and invited DPM Wong to form the next government. DPM Wong accepted and submitted his list of the proposed members of his government.
In his letter to Wong, President Tharman said: “I have every confidence that as prime minister, you will lead Singapore with honour and ensure the continued stability and vitality of our nation.”
In a separate letter to PM Lee, President Tharman thanked him for his four decades of “selfless service” in government.
Noting that his tenure was marked by “crises which shook the world”, President Tharman said: “You steered a nation to emerge not just intact, but stronger and more resilient.”
PM Lee also “advanced a vibrant and more diversified economy”, opened new pathways for Singaporeans, improved life for every segment of society and strengthened social safety nets, he added.
“Your sense of duty and integrity, wisdom and compassion, have set a high standard, and will inspire those who follow.”
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