I look forward to having an NTUC Sec-gen in Cabinet before too long: PM Wong on Ng Chee Meng not being minister

National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general and Jalan Kayu Member of Parliament (MP) Ng Chee Meng will not be a member of Singapore's newest Cabinet.

However, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that NTUC's secretary-general has "traditionally held a position in Cabinet".

PM Wong on NTUC Sec-Gen

PM Wong said in the May 21 press conference that the government works closely with its tripartite partners in developing economic strategies, and the PAP-NTUC symbiotic partnership anchors this tripartism.

"The NTUC secretary-general has traditionally held a position in the cabinet. I value this link, and I know that NTUC does too.

Ng Chee Meng has requested not to be offered a position in government so that he can focus on his work in NTUC and Jalan Kayu.

I respect his wishes, but to be clear, this is a temporary arrangement, and I look forward to having the labour chief being part of the Cabinet before too long."

PM Wong added that his government will continue to work closely with the labour movement, and ensure that the views of NTUC and labour leaders, in the interests of Singapore workers, are fully taken into account.

During the question and answer session, when asked what he meant by wanting the labour chief to be part of Cabinet before too long, and if he was referring to appointing Ng to his Cabinet after he had settled things in Jalan Kayu or if there could be another person as labour chief, PM Wong said, "Whether it's him or there's someone else, I can't say, but certainly my wish is for an NTUC secretary-general to be in the team".

Background

In GE2025, Ng had won the contest in Jalan Kayu SMC with 51.47 per cent of the vote, over Workers' Party (WP) candidate Andre Low.

Ng's return to Parliament fuelled speculation about his potential role in the new Cabinet, given that he was in the Cabinet from 2015 to 2020.

At a press conference on May 4, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had said that Ng, as labour chief, could potentially have a role in the Cabinet.

However, in a May 6 statement, Ng said he had asked PM Wong not to assign him any position in government.

Ng added that he would focus on his duties as Jalan Kayu MP and NTUC sec-gen, and prioritise the needs of his residents and all Singaporean workers.

More about Ng

Ng was a minister before losing his 2020 election contest in Sengkang.

Though Ng was no longer in Cabinet, he remained in the role as labour chief.

He was co-opted into the PAP's central executive committee during the 2022 party election.

He was co-opted again in the 2024 party election.

Top image from Ng Chee Meng/Facebook