MM and SM to leave Cabinet

Just received an sms minutes ago that MM and SM are leaving the Cabinet. This is a discontinuity in our political history. I am glad both men read the tea leaves and are doing the right and courageous thing.

My worry is that the PM, few want to admit had mostly been implementing the MM's ideas. The two DPMs with him are colorless figures but among his ministers are some bright sparks. How are they going to reorganize and what will emerge? This is a moment of hope and anxiety.

MM Lee and SM Goh's media statement in its entirety:

"WE HAVE studied the new political situation and thought how it can affect the future. We have made our contributions to the development of Singapore. The time has come for a younger generation to carry Singapore forward in a more difficult and complex situation. The Prime Minister and his team of younger leaders should have a fresh clean slate. A younger generation, besides having a non-corrupt and meritocratic government and a high standard of living, wants to be more engaged in the decisions which affect them. After a watershed general election, we have decided to leave the cabinet and have a completely younger team of ministers to connect to and engage with this young generation in shaping the future of our Singapore.

But the younger team must always have in mind the interests of the older generation. This generation who has contributed to Singapore must be well-looked after. "

And here is an exchange of sms I had with my good friend on what's happening I would like to keep.

Discontinuities are a fact of life, a healthy thing even if it is unnerving. We are ready. We just don't know yet.

At about 9.30pm, the PM responded to the media as follows:

PM Lee said: "It is a major event for Singapore for two major figures like MM and SM to leave the government. It shows that they are thinking of Singapore and for the future of Singapore. The basic consideration is what is the best approach for forming a team which would be most effective in solving problems and establishing rapport and trust with the people going forward for the next five years."





And here is the TV news version of it I just found.