Both Minister Mentor (MM) Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister (SM) Mr. Goh Chok Tong have announced that they mean to retire as cabinet ministers.
Somewhat typically for Singapore, the ex-ministers’ joint announcement was made even before the returning Prime Minister (PM) Mr. Lee Hsien Loong (son of LKY) had found an opportunity to present any line up for the incoming cabinet.
People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Halmah Jacob said at a community event earlier today (15th May 2011) that she did not think the decision was made as a result of the election. Why was it not made prior to the election then, I wonder?
I am particularly curious to notice how constituents in Marine Parade GRC might react to this announcement. Critics insist the electorate in Marine Parade would not have returned Ms. Tin Pei Ling to parliament had it not been for the fact that the PAP in that constituency was supposed to be being helmed by Mr. Goh, a ‘Senior Minister’ whom voters had been encouraged to imagine the country could not afford to lose.
I am curious too to see what members in the incoming cabinet will have to say about its line up given that no fewer than four members in the outgoing cabinet have either lost their seats at the General Election or have said they don’t wish to be a part of it.
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