Lawrence Wong promoted as Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister

SINGAPORE - Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced changes to his Cabinet line-up with effect from June 13, 2022, which will see Lawrence Wong promoted to Deputy Prime Minister.

In a statement issued here today, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Wong, 49, will be one of the two Deputy Prime Ministers, joining Heng Swee Keat, 61.

Wong will be the Acting Prime Minister in the absence of the Prime Minister.

"He will continue as Minister for Finance,” the statement said adding that Wong will assume responsibility for the Strategy Group within the PMO, taking over from Heng.

Heng, meanwhile, will remain as Deputy Prime Minister and continue as Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, overseeing the Future Economy Council, the National Research Foundation and Productivity Fund Administration Board.

Separately, Lee in his latest update on his Facebook page said: "The next generation leadership is taking shape. I ask everyone to give your full support to this important transition, to steer Singapore safely out of the pandemic and into a brighter future.”

The changes will take effect two months after Lee announced on April 14 that the republic’s ministers have chosen Wong as the new leader of the fourth generation (4G) team, paving way for Wong to rise to the prime minister’s position in the future.

Besides Wong, Lee also announced promotions that would involve Tan Kiat How who will be promoted to Senior Minister of State while continuing in the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Ministry of National Development.

Eric Chua, meanwhile, will be promoted to Senior Parliamentary Secretary and he will continue in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; and the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Rahayu Mahzam will also be promoted to Senior Parliamentary Secretary, and will take up a new appointment in the Ministry of Law.

"She will continue in the Ministry of Health, but relinquish her appointment in the Ministry of Communications and Information,” said the PMO.

According to the Office, The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has agreed to the Prime Minister’s request for Chee Hong Tat to return to the Government full‐time, and accepted his proposal for Desmond Tan to join the NTUC.

Among others, the republic also announced five political appointments. - BERNAMA