Outgoing Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan discharged from hospital: PM Lee
SINGAPORE — Outgoing Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan was discharged from hospital on Saturday morning (25 July) after he was warded for dengue fever, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Speaking at a media conference to unveil the new Cabinet, Lee said Khaw has recovered well from the illness.
Lee paid tribute to Khaw, saying the former Sembawang GRC Member of Parliament was a part of his Cabinet from the start and that he was very grateful for his contributions and friendship.
“I am happy that he will continue to make himself available to advise the younger ministers on issues that he is familiar with, and to share his experience and wisdom,” Lee said.
Khaw revealed in a Facebook post on Thursday that he was placed in an isolation ward for observation when his temperature “shot up”. Hours later after his post, he was diagnosed with dengue fever for the third time in his life.
The 67-year-old tested negative for COVID-19 but was diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease. His first bout with the illness came in the 1980s.
The Yio Chu Kang area where Khaw lives has been designated a hot zone for dengue fever.
On 26 June, Khaw announced his retirement from politics after having been in public service for 42 years.
Lee said on Saturday, “I wish him good health, and a peaceful and active retirement.”
Khaw will be succeeded by outgoing Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, who is MP-elect for Sembawang GRC.
The Cabinet line-up includes new Member of Parliament Tan See Leng, who will assume the roles of Second Minister for Trade and Industry and Manpower, as well as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
The announcement comes two weeks after the General Election on 10 July, when the ruling People’s Action Party won 83 out of 93 electoral seats, and 61.23 per cent of vote share.
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