Lee Hsien Loong's cabinet lineup : retirements and promotions mark Singapore spring cleaning time

Some liberals have applauded the retirement of Singapore statesman MM Lee Kuan Yew and SM Goh Chok Tong (former PM). Sorry to disappoint, but they will continue to play their mentoring roles not limited to the parliament but two of the most important financial investment and regulatory bodies in the country – GIC and MAS. It would be more circumspect to view this as an acceptable compromise.

More deserving of national celebration is perhaps the “retirement” of not-so-old DPM Wong Kan Seng (of the infamous Mas Selamat escape), Mah Bow Tan (expensive public housing tag) and Raymond Lim (public transport inefficiencies and costs notoriety). All of which the populace seem to have made loud and clear in recent years but seem to have fallen to deaf ears to the cabinet until recently.

PM Lee Hsien Loong can probably sleep soundly for a while as three unpopular Ministers no longer drag down the party. He has a credible mandate to govern, a strong endorsement from the people as his constituency (Ang Mo Kio GRC) garnered 69.33% of the votes cast in 2011 GE (up from 66.14% in the last elections). Despite the “worst” results since the PAP came to power, PAP did win over 60 per cent of the total popular votes which is considered good by most world standards of developed countries. LHL's "apology" at a public rally during intense campaigning must have helped to sustain, if not, stem the tide of unhappiness in the countdown.

On the borderline is “foot in the mouth” Vivian Balakrishnan who had antagonized the intelligence and sensitivities of the educated and fringe groups. However, since he is popular with some of the young and female voters, he still serves a useful role in the PAP. He would probably do less damage as Environment Minister than his former Community and Youth portfolio.

Newbie Chan Chun Sing is Acting Minister of the office vacated by VB. Given the criticisms of his people skills, the people will be watching him closely. Like the other four new appointees to the cabinet, they have to learn the ropes quickly. The PAP is banking on the belief that freshly minted and renewed leadership who would presumably adopt a more consultative is what would please the younger generation of voters.

But that is if, and only if, they can deliver sterling performance. Certainly unhappiness with the rising costs of living, Ministers' high salaries, lax immigration policies, healthcare and other social issues, must be addressed.

And if it's not too early for the opposition to heave a sigh of relief, there are probably no defamation suits which has suffered serious backlash when it has been utilised excessively to silence the Opposition.

Spring is in the air. Singapore’s unique democratic model that balances the best of both worlds is still evolving.

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MPs sworn in at Istana. A relaxed and semi-retired Lee Kuan Yew with newly elected opposition Workers' Party parliamentarians.

Related blog post :

http://readworldevents.blogspot.com/2011/05/lee-kuan-yews-best-legacy-for-singapore.html