Education Minister Desmond Lee has been appointed chairman of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), taking over from former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who has stepped down following his retirement from politics.
The appointment was announced on 29 May as part of a leadership reshuffle within the PAP’s central executive committee (CEC). All changes take effect immediately.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has been named party treasurer, succeeding K Shanmugam, who held the post since 2018. Shanmugam will remain in the CEC but no longer serves in a key office-bearing role.
National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat has been appointed assistant treasurer, taking on the financial portfolio alongside Ong.
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, has been co-opted into the CEC and will chair the PAP Malay Affairs Bureau. His appointment reflects a broader move to involve more leaders in community outreach.
The CEC issued a statement expressing appreciation for Heng Swee Keat’s service and leadership, stating that it “wished him a fulfilling retirement from politics” and recognised his contributions to both the party and Singapore.
Heng had served as chairman since 2018 and previously held key roles including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister. His departure marks a further step in the PAP’s leadership renewal process.
Desmond Lee, who previously held the portfolio of Minister for National Development and now serves as Education Minister, is considered part of the party’s fourth-generation leadership. His elevation to chairman signals a continued transition under the current leadership of Secretary-General Lawrence Wong.
Other key appointments within the CEC include Masagos Zulkifli as vice chairman, Chan Chun Sing as assistant secretary-general, and Grace Fu and Edwin Tong as organising secretaries.
The full membership of the 38th CEC includes veteran figures such as Lee Hsien Loong, Vivian Balakrishnan, K Shanmugam, and Indranee Rajah. Newly co-opted members include Desmond Choo, Lam Pin Min, Ng Chee Meng, Sim Ann, and Tan See Leng.
The party also announced updates to its HQ Executive Committee. This internal structure oversees various branches and outreach groups within the PAP.
Chan Chun Sing now chairs the HQ Executive Committee. Assistant organising secretaries include Alex Yam, Desmond Tan, Low Yen Ling, and Tan Kiat How.
Additional leadership roles were confirmed across PAP affiliate groups. Tan See Leng was named chairperson of the PAP Seniors Group, while Sim Ann leads the Women’s Wing.
Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim will oversee the Malay Affairs Bureau, Alvin Tan chairs the Young PAP, Janil Puthucheary leads the Mental Health Group, Chee Hong Tat heads the PAP Policy Forum Council, and Koh Poh Koon directs the Climate Action Group.
The post Desmond Lee appointed PAP chairman as Ong Ye Kung replaces Shanmugam as party treasurer appeared first on The Online Citizen.
