PM Wong says 1st priority of new Cabinet is to secure S'pore's position in changed world

PM Wong announced his new cabinet lineup at a press conference on May 21.

Among the various announcements made were the appointment of Chan Chun Sing as the new Defence Minister, Edwin Tong taking over the Ministry of Law from K Shanmugam, Shanmugam himself being appointed Coordinating Minister for National Security, and the confirmation that Ng Chee Meng was not appointed a minister.

Strongest team for Singapore

Noting the turbulent economic climate, PM Wong said that the government's priority will be to secure Singapore's position in this new environment and advance the country's interests overseas.

"With your strong support, I have done my utmost to assemble the strongest team I could for Singapore, a team comprising steady and experienced hands as well as new and younger ministers," he said.

PM Wong thanks Singaporeans for giving a clear mandate, notes that all the ministries will have new office holders with the new reshuffle

At the press conference, PM Wong thanked Singaporeans once again for giving him and his team a clear mandate to form the next government, noting that with the new reshuffle, all the ministries will have new political office holders, allowing them to gain more experience across different areas.

PM Wong acknowledged that the nine new office holders were the highest number in recent history, and said it was due to the importance of leadership renewal.

Noting that the team is slightly bigger than what they had before, PM Wong explained it was because they were in a period of transition.

He said he expects to make further adjustments in one or two years' time, when more of the government's junior office holders are ready to step up.

"I have done my best to put together an effective government to take Singapore forward in these uncertain and turbulent times," PM Wong commented.

"I ask Singaporeans to give me and my team your full support. We will do our best to serve you and to secure a brighter future. for you and your families," he added.

Considerations on appointing ministers

When asked by the media what the considerations were when appointing ministers in the new Cabinet lineup, PM Wong said that to be a minister, you not only need to have policy mastery and political skills, but also the ability to communicate effectively, exercise leadership, and execute effectively.

Remarking that it was a high threshold of requirements, PM Wong said that while some people were able to do it soon, others may need more time to develop and grow into their jobs.

Saying that every member in parliament is "equally important", PM Wong added that his role as a leader is to make sure that every member can contribute to the best of their abilities, regardless of the positions they hold, because every member needs to be able to pull their weight and add value to the team.

Singapore's 2025 General Election (GE2025) was held two weeks prior on May 3, with the People's Action Party (PAP) securing 87 of 97 seats in Parliament.

The other 10 seats and the two NCMP roles went to candidates from the Workers' Party (WP).

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Top image via Hidayat Anuar/Mothership