The excitement of the 2020 general election is over, and now it’s time for politicians to follow through on their promises.
Last Saturday (25 July), PM Lee announced a cabinet reshuffle, and I’m not talking about adding more pink shirts to his already impressive collection.
The prime minister made changes in six ministries. There were promotions, new appointments, and old ministers in new ministries.
In total, 33 political office holders were sworn in on Monday (27 July), in a ceremony that was broadcast live on national television.
What’s a Swearing-In Ceremony?
But before we get to that, what exactly is a swearing-in ceremony?
See, when you’re chosen to be a minister, it’s a pretty serious responsibility. You can’t just shake PM Lee’s hand, give him a wink, and say “I’ll try my best, but I can’t make any promises. Let’s see what happens!”
As you know, parliament is dissolved before every election, and before office holders can return to their seats to take a nap, they have to be sworn in.
In this context, a swearing-in ceremony is an official ceremony in which political office holders starting a new official job formally promise to be loyal and honest and to perform their duties well for the country.
This involves raising your right hand, putting on your most serious face, and taking an oath.
A Muted Affair
Traditionally, the ceremony is attended by members of the establishment and invited guests, but this year’s ceremony was a muted affair.
Due to the bane of our times that is the coronavirus, the ceremony was split up over two locations for safe-distancing, according to The Straits Times.
Half the cabinet took their oaths in the Istana’s State Room, with President Halimah Yacob, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, and PM Lee in attendance.
The rest were sworn in at the Parliament House, including DPM Heng Swee Keat and Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, who are the PAP’s first and second assistant secretaries-general respectively.
The two venues were linked by video – they were able to see each other – presumably so PM Lee could make sure everyone was awake.
Safe distancing was of the utmost importance, however, so seats were spaced out at regular intervals and invited guests had to watch from separate rooms in each building.
You could have just watched it at home in your pyjamas, right?
Everyone also wore face masks, of course. Except when they were posing for photos.
PM Lee was the first to be sworn in at the Istana, followed by DPM Heng and Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean at the Parliament House.
Led by CJ Menon, all 33 officeholders took their oaths of office individually, and were subsequently presented with their instruments of appointment.
The proceedings lasted a little over an hour.
As previously mentioned, there were several changes to the cabinet line-up, which you can read about here.
Six officeholders were promoted, seven new political office holders were appointed, and several incumbent ministers will be tackling new ministries.
PM Lee said he aimed to create a balance between continuity and renewal with the reshuffle.
Fresh Ideas & Perspectives
In his speech at the ceremony, the prime minister said Singaporeans can be confident in our political leaders, as the new officeholders will bring fresh ideas and perspectives, while the older ministers can offer guidance.
“The new officeholders will bring with them fresh ideas and perspectives, and work hard to master the issues. It is a team that Singaporeans can be confident in, and one that will walk with you every step of the way.
“The more senior ones have seen Singapore through past crises, and can offer valuable guidance and views to help overcome the challenges we face. The younger ministers are increasingly taking the lead, setting the agenda and engaging Singaporeans,” he said.
The prime minister also highlighted the multi-racial make-up of the cabinet, with seven out of the 20 full ministers belonging to a minority race.
He said that Singaporeans need leaders who “have the courage of their convictions, who command the respect of Singaporeans and who can mobilise the population to achieve great things together”.
His aim is to hand over the country “intact and in working order” into good hands who will take the country further forward.
Big Challenges Ahead
Of course, you can’t give a speech in 2020 without addressing the invisible and microscopic elephant in the room. It’d be like Donald Trump giving a speech without praising himself.
In his speech, PM Lee said that the coronavirus outbreak remains a “serious problem”.
He cited examples like Hong Kong and Seoul, cities that initially managed to control the outbreak, but have experienced repeated outbreaks since.
“It shows just how difficult it will be for Singapore to keep ourselves free from the virus,” he said.
This is why the government is building up its capacities to test and contact trace, so the country can re-open its borders and residents can resume their lives.
The prime minister also talked about the economic impact of the pandemic, citing the fact that the country’s GDP shrank a record 12.6% year on year.
“…economic conditions will continue to be difficult, and we must expect to lose many more jobs. We will do our best to save as many as we can, and help workers who still lose their jobs to find new work.”
He added that testing of migrant workers in dormitories is almost complete, and that the authorities are working to “establish safe living and working conditions” so they can get back to work as soon as possible.
Working with the Opposition
The 10 opposition MPs from the WP who made electoral history in GE2020 were also in attendance at the ceremony, and WP’s chief even took a photo with the prime minister.
I know they look like they’re smiling, but with their masks concealing half their face it’s hard to tell.
They could be doing this, for all we know:
As PM Lee said, both parties have to set aside their political allegiances and unite to serve the country.
“Whatever our political persuasions, never forget that we are first and foremost Singaporeans. Let us all unite and focus our energies on the major challenges ahead.”
He said the election has shown “a strong desire amongst Singaporeans for greater diversity of views in politics.”
“Voters want the PAP to form the government, but they also want more robust debate of policies and plans.”
Besides the 10 MPs from the WP, there will also be two NCMPs from the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) in parliament.
This is why PM Lee formally appointed WP chief Pritam Singh as the official Leader of the Opposition, the first in the country’s history since independence.
The prime minister promised to provide Singh with staff support and resources to perform his role.
“I hope our colleagues across the aisle will step up to play their role of a responsible and loyal opposition,” he said.
Support the Young Ministers
Towards the end of his speech, PM Lee promised to devote himself to the country and the people, something he said he has done since he was first elected as an MP in 1984.
“I have spent my entire adult life in public service. I will continue to devote myself to my country and people, drawing strength and purpose from the support of Singaporeans, young and old.”
He also urged Singaporeans to show the new political officer holders the same support they have shown him.
“I ask Singaporeans to extend to the younger Ministers the same support that you have given me all these years.”
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
