What Changes Come with Singapore's New Cabinet?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New cabinet sworn in following PAP's strong election performance.
- Lawrence Wong emphasizes the importance of international relations.
- Focus on preparing the economy for future challenges.
- Four senior leaders appointed to key positions.
- PAP secures 65.57% of the popular vote.
Singapore, May 23 (NationPress) The newly formed cabinet of Singapore was officially inaugurated on Friday, following the impressive results achieved by the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) in this month's general elections.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that the new administration's primary focus would be to secure a stable future for Singapore amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape and to prepare the economy for forthcoming challenges.
He also highlighted the government's intent to strengthen Singapore's ties with major global players.
Wong, who took over from Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister in May 2024 after Lee's two-decade leadership, remarked that the recent election results reflected a “clear and strong” mandate from the citizens for the PAP.
Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Wong revealed the composition of his new cabinet following the PAP's electoral victory.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, along with three newly appointed coordinating ministers, will form the core team to support Wong in governance and guide new, younger officeholders, as per local media reports.
The three new coordinating ministers include K. Shanmugam, who will oversee National Security, Chan Chun Sing, responsible for Public Services, and Ong Ye Kung, who will handle Social Policies.
In addition to their new responsibilities, Shanmugam will continue as Minister for Home Affairs while stepping down from his Law Ministry role. Chan will transition to Defence Minister, relinquishing his role as Education Minister, while Ong will maintain his position as Health Minister.
When questioned about the absence of a second Deputy Prime Minister, a common practice in past cabinets, Wong stated that having four senior leaders in key roles is “a good arrangement for now”.
Two newly elected Members of Parliament, David Neo and Jeffrey Siow, were also appointed as officeholders.
Wong, who retains his role as Finance Minister, indicated that most ministers focusing on Singapore's economic strategy will remain in their positions amidst global uncertainties.
“We are navigating a transformed world characterized by increasing trade barriers, heightened competition, and greater unpredictability, making experienced leadership essential,” he stated.
The PAP secured 87 out of 97 elected parliamentary seats in the general election, achieving 65.57% of the popular vote, a notable increase from 61.24% in 2020.