Lawrence Wong appointed as Deputy Prime Minister in Cabinet reshuffle
SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced changes to his Cabinet with effect from next Monday (13 June), with the most significant movement being Finance Minister Lawrence Wong's appointment as Deputy Prime Minister (DPM).
Wong, 49, had been selected to be the leader of the People's Action Party (PAP) fourth-generation (4G) team in April, paving the way for him to become Singapore's next prime minister.
Heng Swee Keat, the previous candidate to lead the PAP's 4G team, will also remain as DPM.
"The next generation leadership is taking shape. I ask everyone to give your full support to this important transition, to steer Singapore safely out of the pandemic and into a brighter future," PM Lee said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Wong also put up a Facebook post on Monday, pledging that he would "give every ounce of my strength to serve Singapore and Singaporeans".
"I seek your support, as I take on my latest appointment as DPM, and take another step forward in embracing my new responsibilities," he added.
"I look forward to walking this journey with all of you, and working with everyone — to steer Singapore through the many challenges we are facing today, and to chart our new way forward together for a better tomorrow."
Here are the list of Cabinet promotions:
Lawrence Wong will be promoted to Deputy Prime Minister, and will be the Acting Prime Minister in the absence of the Prime Minister. He will continue as Minister for Finance.
Tan Kiat How will be promoted to Senior Minister of State, and will continue in the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Ministry of National Development.
Eric Chua will be promoted to Senior Parliamentary Secretary, and will continue in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
Rahayu Mahzam will be promoted to Senior Parliamentary Secretary, and will take up a new appointment in the Ministry of Law. She will continue in the Ministry of Health, but relinquish her appointment in the Ministry of Communications and Information.
Other political appointments announced are:
Chee Hong Tat will be appointed Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance. He will continue in the Ministry of Transport.
Koh Poh Koon will be appointed Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment. He will continue in the Ministry of Manpower, but relinquish his appointment in the Ministry of Health.
Sun Xueling will be appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. She will continue in the Ministry of Social and Family Development, but relinquish her appointment in the Ministry of Education.
Desmond Tan will be appointed Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. He will relinquish his appointments in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment.
Baey Yam Keng will be appointed Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment. He will continue in the Ministry of Transport.
In addition to his DPM portfolio, Wong will also assume responsibility for the Strategy Group within the Prime Minister’s Office, taking over from Heng.
Meanwhile, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has agreed to the PM Lee's request for Chee Hong Tat to return to the Government full‐time, and accepted his proposal for Desmond Tan to join the NTUC.
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