DPM Gan, 3 coordinating ministers to form core of PM Wong's Cabinet

Of those three roles, Chan Chun Sing's public services portfolio is a new one

- Wong Pei Ting Correspondent

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and the three new coordinating ministers in his Cabinet will form a core team to assist and advise him, as well as provide guidance and mentorship to younger ministers.

The three ministers who will be appointed coordinating ministers are Mr K. Shanmugam, who will be Coordinating Minister for National Security; Mr Chan Chun Sing, who will be Coordinating Minister for Public Services; and Mr Ong Ye Kung, who will be Coordinating Minister for Social Policies.

DPM Gan will be Acting Prime Minister in PM Wong's absence. In the event that neither of them are around, one of the three coordinating ministers will be appointed, said PM Wong on May 21 at a press conference to announce his new Cabinet line-up.

There have typically been two deputy prime ministers in the Cabinet.

Asked why he did not appoint one of the fourth-generation leaders as deputy prime minister, PM Wong said having these four senior leaders in his team is "a good arrangement for now".

"They are key ministers who will help me, assist me in the work, and they will also advise, guide the younger ministers," he added.

"Along the way, there may be changes, but as we start this new term, I am happy with this configuration."

Mr Chan will be appointed Defence Minister and will relinquish his role as Education Minister, besides taking on his coordinating minister role. He continues as Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, a role he has held since 2018.

Mr Shanmugam will remain Minister for Home Affairs and relinquish his Law Ministry portfolio to Mr Edwin Tong.

Mr Ong will stay on as Health Minister and Minister-in-charge of Ageing Issues.

Of the three coordinating minister roles, Mr Chan's public services portfolio is new.