Maliki Osman Retiring From Politics After 24 Years

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Maliki Osman announced his retirement from politics on April 21, ahead of the 2025 General Election.

- Zhaki Abdullah

In posts on his social media accounts, Dr Maliki noted that the PAP brings in new candidates during each general election as part of renewal efforts, in order to bring younger, more diverse voices into Parliament.

He added that with him having served five terms since 2001, he and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong agreed it is a good time for him to make way for a new candidate and retire from politics.

"My immediate priority is to ensure a smooth transition and rally support for the East Coast GRC team in the coming GE. I am confident they will serve residents well," said Dr Maliki, who is one of the incumbent MPs for the five-member constituency.

The 59-year-old had earlier introduced Madam Hazlina Abdul Halim, former chief executive of Make-A-Wish Singapore, as his successor in East Coast GRC.

"Serving residents in Sembawang GRC, East Coast GRC, and as mayor of South East CDC has been a deeply enriching and humbling journey," he said.

In his posts, Dr Maliki thanked Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong for having trusted him as a political office-holder since 2004, describing it as a privilege to have worked alongside the former prime minister as well as PM Wong and others in Cabinet in "navigating challenges and shaping Singapore's continued success".