Singapore - Changes In Singapore Cabinet (29 Apr 2003)

On August 1st, Education Minister, RADM Teo Chee Hean will be taking over the portfolio of Defence Minister from Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan, who will be promoted to Coordinating Minister for Security and Defence.

Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan will oversee an inter-ministerial team that will guard Singapore against terrorism.

These two new appointments in the Defence sector are in line with the Prime Minister's proposal to tackle the terrorist threat.

Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's intends to have a new team in place before the next General Election in 2007. The Prime Minister has promoted experienced junior ministers in the Cabinet reshuffle.

One unexpected statement yesterday was the departure of Acting Minister of Information, Communications and the Arts David Lim. In yesterday's statement, it stated that Mr. Lim had asked to step down and that the Prime minister had 'reluctantly agreed'.

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