After the announcement by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong about Tan Chuan-Jin becoming the next Speaker of Singapore Parliament, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Chan Chun Sing said the Speaker’s role is a critical one.
Sharing his thoughts about the new Speaker, the minister, who is also a member of the nation’s governing People’s Action Party (PAP), said, “The Speaker’s role is a critical one. Going forward, we have many complex challenges to overcome as a nation. We expect a more vigorous debate in a House with more diverse views.”
Chun Sing, also the Secretary-General of the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC), called Chuan-Jin a fair-minded and balanced. “We need someone with the stature, temperament and the right instincts to conduct Parliamentary proceedings. Mdm Halimah did very well to gain the respect from all Parliamentarians. Chuan-Jin is fair-minded and balanced. In his time in the various Ministries, he has also won the trust and respect of stakeholders across our societal spectrum, from workers, VWOs and NGOs, to the sporting community.”
“I am glad that Chuan-Jin will continue his good work in the social sector to take our SG Cares movement forward. This is critical to the building of our social capital for the next lap of our nation’s development,” the minister added.
Chun Sing has known Chuan-Jin for over 30 years. Both were schoolmates, army mates and then Cabinet colleagues. “I know his temperament well and I am confident that he will do his best as Speaker of the House. Chuan-Jin has always and will continue to serve Singaporeans with all his heart. He will have our full support,” said Chun Sing.
PM Lee will nominate Tan Chuan-Jin to be the Speaker when Parliament next sits on September 11.
As the Speaker cannot be elected from members who are office holders, Tan will resign as the Minister for Social and Family Development.
Other New Appointments
Desmond Lee will be appointed Minister for Social and Family Development. He will continue as Second Minister in the Ministry of National Development but will relinquish his appointments in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Josephine Teo will be appointed as Second Minister in the Ministry of Home Affairs and will relinquish her appointment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She will continue as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister in the Ministry of Manpower.