Indian-origin Member of Parliament Murali Pillai is set to become Singapore's Minister of State for Law and Transport in the incoming cabinet of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The 56-year-old Pillai, who is a member of the ruling People's Action Party and a lawyer by profession, will officially assume his new role on July 1, as reported by The Straits Times. The swearing-in ceremony for Pillai and others in the new cabinet is scheduled for May 15.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan will retain his position as Foreign Affairs Minister, while K. Shanmugam and Indranee Rajah will continue as Minister of Home Affairs and Law, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, respectively. The announcement of the new cabinet lineup was made by the Singapore Prime Minister’s Office.
Lawrence Wong, who is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister on Wednesday following the resignation of incumbent Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, will lead the new cabinet. Gan Kim Yong will be promoted to Deputy Prime Minister and will also serve as Trade and Industry Minister. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will retain his position.
Wong emphasized the importance of continuity and stability, particularly as the government approaches the end of its current term. He highlighted the diverse mix of experienced ministers and younger officeholders in the new team and expressed plans to rotate the People's Action Party's fourth-generation ministers to provide them with broader exposure and experience.
Lee Hsien Loong will remain in the cabinet as Senior Minister and will continue to chair the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise Council. As Singapore transitions to a new leadership under its fourth-generation leaders, it faces various global challenges, including ongoing conflicts and disruptions in trade supply chains.
