Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen has announced his retirement from politics. Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat will lead the People’s Action Party (PAP) Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC slate, joined by two political newcomers.
The two newcomers are Cai Yinzhou, 35, the executive director of the Chinatown Heritage Centre and Elysa Chen, 41, the executive director of youth social service agency CampusImpact, announced the ruling party at its branch office at Toa Payoh West-Thomson.
Meanwhile, Saktiandi Supaat, 51, will remain in the team, while former MP Chong Kee Hiong, 59, will also not stand in the upcoming polls.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: “It’s time for me to make way for the next generation”
Dr Ng Eng Hen’s retirement from politics makes him the first minister confirmed to not be running in this General Election.
In his speech, he thanked Bishan and Toa Payoh voters for their years of support, and said that it has been his honour and privilege to serve his residents and Singaporeans at large for five terms.
He said that leadership succession is a cardinal strength and virtue for the PAP, which is why he’s stepping aside for new blood, just as his predecessors had done. “I informed PM Wong some months back that it was time for me to continue that virtuous tradition to make room for renewal and regeneration of the PAP slate.”
On the timing of his retirement despite rising global tensions, Dr Ng said it will take at least 10 years for the world to adjust to the new security situation, and another 10 years for global players to accept the new normal.
“That journey will have its ups and downs,” he said. “That’s why this is the right time for the new team to step in and take charge.”
Dr Ng, a former oncologist, entered politics more than two decades ago in 2001. He has served in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC since.
Dr Ng has been the Minister for Defence since 2011. Before that, he had helmed the Education and Manpower ministries. He was also Leader of the House between 2011 and 2015.
In GE2015, he led the PAP team and won against the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) with 73.59% of the vote.
In GE2020, he again led the team and won 67.23% against SPP Secretary-General Steve Chia and his team.
Chee Hong Tat: Ready to energise Bishan-Toa Payoh
According to Zaobao, this will be Chee Hong Tat’s third GE, and his first time leading a GRC team.
He thanked Dr Ng and Chong Kee Hiong for their service, and said he especially appreciates Dr Ng’s guidance over the years.
Chee said his team is committed to revitalising Bishan and Toa Payoh, improving infrastructure and neighbourhood living. “We will continue to listen to residents’ feedback and work with our partners to turn good ideas into action.”
Chee entered politics in 2015. He previously served as Minister of State at the Ministries of Health and Communications and Information, and was appointed Transport Minister in January 2024 after stepping in as Acting Minister when Iswaran was suspended in 2023.
Before politics, Chee served in various ministries and was also Principal Private Secretary to Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew from 2008 to 2011.
SPP expected to contest again
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC has 98,505 registered electors. It is one of five GRCs to keep its electoral boundaries in the recent Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report.
The SPP, which also fielded a team in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC in 2015, said last month that it intends to do the same in the coming election.
