The Hindu : International : Lee Kuan Yew made `Minister Mentor'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 13, 2004

International

International

Lee Kuan Yew made `Minister Mentor'

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE, AUG. 12. Lee Hsien Loong was today sworn in Singapore's Prime Minister at an impressive ceremony.

Heralding the change of guard at the helm, the City State's President, S. R. Nathan, appointed the new Prime Minister, who was then administered the oath of office by the Chief Justice. The other important leaders sworn in were the outgoing Prime Minister, Goh Chok Tong, as Senior Minister, a distinctive position in the country's politics and public administration and the elder statesman, Lee Kuan Yew, who served as Senior Minister in Mr. Goh's Cabinet, as "Minister Mentor", an altogether new position. The architect of the country's politics and fortunes, Mr. Lee is expected to continue to guide its destiny in his new position.

Prominent among the others sworn in were two Deputy Prime Ministers. One of them, Tony Tan, who retains his old post, will remain in office until retirement by June-end 2005. The other Deputy Prime Minister, S. Jayakumar, was Foreign Minister in Mr. Goh's Cabinet.

Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, son of Mr. Lee, was himself a Deputy Prime Minister before his assumption of office as Prime Minister. He retains his old Finance portfolio in the new line-up, as already indicated by him.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Iraq resistance: Militants take refuge in shrine

Islam, idealism drive Najaf's militants

Lee Kuan Yew made `Minister Mentor'

Editor admits laxity on Iraq

When stents fail, surgeons scramble

Revealing news

South Korea to relocate capital

Aid appeal for Bangladesh

Ezra Pound back in from the cold

Talks to boost trade ties with Pakistan end on a tame note

Colin Powell, Ranendra Sen discuss bilateral issues