Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ Singapore’s newly appointed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled his first full cabinet, retaining several key Indian-origin leaders from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in critical positions. The cabinet announcement comes on the heels of PAP’s decisive victory in the May 3 general election, where the party secured 82 of the 92 contested parliamentary seats. The opposition Workers’ Party won the remaining 10 seats. In his address, Prime Minister Wong emphasized a blend of continuity and renewal in the new cabinet lineup, which includes 15 full ministers, two acting ministers, and three coordinating ministers. “With your strong support, I have done my utmost to assemble the strongest team I could for Singapore,” Wong stated, underlining his commitment to steady governance during a time of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
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Notably, several Indian-origin PAP leaders have maintained their influential roles within this refreshed structure. Accordingly, K Shanmugam, a long-standing political heavyweight, will continue as Minister for Home Affairs and take on an expanded role as Coordinating Minister for National Security. He relinquishes his former portfolio as Minister for Law, which is now held by Edwin Tong. Vivian Balakrishnan retains his position as Minister for Foreign Affairs, continuing to lead Singapore’s diplomatic engagements amid shifting global dynamics. Indranee Rajah, another experienced figure, continues her role as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, where she has played a crucial part in policy planning and implementation.
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Murali Pillai, who has been elevated to Senior Minister of State, will oversee responsibilities in the Law and Transport ministries. His promotion is considered part of the leadership renewal process while ensuring institutional knowledge and experience remain within the cabinet. In education and sustainability, Janil Puthucheary takes on a new challenge as Senior Minister of State for Education, Sustainability, and the Environment, reflecting the government’s ongoing prioritization of climate action and educational excellence. Dinesh Vasu Dash, a fresh face in the cabinet, joins as Senior Parliamentary Secretary and Mayor of the South East District. His inclusion underscores PAP’s emphasis on nurturing young talent and ensuring community-level governance.
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Wong, who retains his portfolio as Finance Minister, also highlighted the strategic decision to introduce nine new political officeholders, many of whom are first-term Members of Parliament. He framed this move as one of the most substantial leadership renewals in recent memory. A core team comprising four senior ministers, three coordinating ministers, and one deputy prime minister will guide the cabinet’s younger members. The cabinet names Gan Kim Yong as the sole Deputy Prime Minister, while he continues to head the Trade and Industry Ministry, among other significant appointments. Chan Chun Sing shifts focus to become Defense Minister and Coordinating Minister for Public Services. Ong Ye Kung retains Health and assumes additional responsibilities for Social Policies.
Other key ministers continuing their service include Josephine Teo (Digital Development and Information), Tan See Leng (Manpower and Energy, Science, and Technology), Grace Fu (Sustainability and the Environment), and Masagos Zulkifli (Social and Family Development). The retention of Indian-origin PAP leaders in top roles within the new cabinet reflects their enduring importance in shaping Singapore’s political and policy landscape, while the broader reshuffle signals a generational transition under Wong’s leadership.
