Gan Kim Yong to become deputy prime minister in Cabinet reshuffle
Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong will be promoted to deputy prime minister after a Cabinet reshuffle.
Gan, who has been the Minister for Trade and Industry since 2021, will serve alongside Heng Swee Keat, who was appointed DPM in 2019.
He will be Acting Prime Minister in the absence of the Prime Minister, reported CNA.
Gan will also take over as chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and assume responsibility for the Strategy Group within the Prime Minister's office.
Gan was also the Minister of Health from 2011 to 2021.
He co-chaired the Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce with DPM Lawrence Wong and current health minister Ong Ye Kung, where he directed and coordinated Singapore’s response to the pandemic.
On Monday, PM Lee Hsien Loong announced his resignation in a letter to the President.
In his letter, PM Lee said that he wanted to hand over the reins by his 70th birthday, but his plans were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
On April 14, 2022, PAP Members of Parliament met and unanimously endorsed DPM Wong as his successor.
"Now, two years on, he is ready to lead Singapore," wrote the outgoing Prime Minister.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam accepted PM Lee's resignation, and thanked him for his selfless service towards the nation.
"Your tenure as Prime Minister was marked by crises which shook the world, in particular the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and then Covid-19 pandemic.
"You gave our people the confidence to see through each crisis, while staying united. You steered a nation to emerge not just intact but stronger and resilient."
In his letter, President Tharman also noted PM Lee's efforts in mentoring the next generation of leaders to ensure a "smooth and orderly" transition of political leadership.
On Monday, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam also sent a letter to DPM Wong, inviting him to select his Cabinet members.
DPM Wong responded to Tharman's letter accepting his appointment as Prime Minister.
Wong added that he would retain his portfolio of Minister for Finance on top of his responsibilities as Prime Minister.
Other appointments
During a press conference held at the Istana on Monday, Wong announced other promotions and appointments.
While announcing the Cabinet line-up, Wong said: "Continuity and stability are key considerations, especially as we are approaching the end of this term of government."
Ministers of State Desmond Tan and Low Yen Ling will be promoted to Senior Ministers of State.
Tan was previously a Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, while Low was Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Trade. There will be no changes their current portfolios.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam will now be Minister of State for Health and Communications and Information. She was formerly SPS for the Ministry of Health and Law.
Bukit Batok MP Murali Pillai is newly-appointed as Minister of State for the Ministry for Law and Transport.
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