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article news-Gan Kim Yong 'not quite 4G' but 'grateful and humbled' by request to serve as DPM
During this “initial period of transition”, it will be useful to have two more experienced ministers as his deputies, said Prime Minister-designate Lawrence Wong.
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Mr Gan will become Deputy Prime Minister when the new Cabinet is sworn in on Wednesday, Prime Minister-designate Lawrence Wong announced on Monday afternoon.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will stay on in his role.
Mr Gan said he is “grateful and humbled” that Mr Wong has asked him to continue serving as a member of his new Cabinet.
Mr Gan said he is “grateful and humbled” that Mr Wong has asked him to continue serving as a member of his new Cabinet.
“Although I’m not quite 4G as many of you know, it is indeed my honour to be given this opportunity and I will do my best to support the new Prime Minister and his team,” he continued.
It has been “a pleasure” working with Mr Wong, said Mr Gan, noting that they have worked together on many local projects as Members of Parliament overseeing neighbouring wards.
"I've seen his strong leadership, particularly in the midst of crisis," said Mr Gan.
As Minister for Trade and Industry, he will continue to focus on economic issues and work with agencies and ministries to navigate the “increasingly complex challenges” ahead of Singapore.
“Together with DPM Heng, I will do my best to support the Prime Minister and help my younger colleagues in whichever way I can to build a strong team that will lead us forward.”
As DPM, he will support Mr Wong and work with Mr Heng to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to formulate and implement key policies, said Mr Gan.
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Speaking during the press conference on Monday, Mr Heng said he is “very happy” that Mr Wong has appointed Mr Gan as Deputy Prime Minister.
“I’ve known Kim Yong since my entry into politics, so we’ll work very closely together, both of us,” said Mr Heng, adding that he worked closely with Mr Gan when they previously led the ministries of finance and health respectively.
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Responding to a question about his key considerations in appointing Mr Gan as Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Wong acknowledged that the current Minister for Trade and Industry is “not quite 4G”.
Mr Gan’s experience in international economics will help
Singapore navigate the more contested global environment, he added.
Mr Heng and Mr Wong both entered politics in 2011
and worked together in the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance, the latter noted.
As experienced ministers, both Mr Gan and Mr Heng will “provide a steady hand” in this initial transition period, and help to mentor younger political officeholder colleagues.
“I’m glad they will be supporting me as my deputies,” said Mr Wong, adding that he values their advice and counsel.
There is a range of 4G ministers who are “all doing well”, but some of them have more experience in government while others are “still quite new”, said Mr Wong in response to a question about the public anticipating a 4G DPM.
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“I think it’s a question of balancing between continuity, stability and renewal,” he continued, adding that this Cabinet’s priority is to focus on issues that concern Singaporeans, including the cost of living and jobs.
