Mr Pritam Singh alleged that if DPM Gan was indeed so indispensable, then the PM should not have sent him to Punggol – a hotly contested GRC.
But PM has already explained: he sent DPM Gan to Punggol, because he wanted a heavyweight to take over from SM Teo Chee Hean who was stepping down. This is a recognition of the importance of Punggol.
Singaporeans know the critical role DPM Gan played during COVID-19. They also know the important role he is now playing, chairing the Economic Resilience Taskforce, and negotiating tariffs and trade matters with the Americans.
Punggol residents know the anchor minister PM hopes for them is no ordinary man.
Mr Singh claims if DPM were defeated, he could simply be appointed our trade representative and continue negotiating with the Americans.
In our parliamentary system, cabinet ministers have to be elected to Parliament. Unlike in a presidential system, unelected people do not serve in cabinet level positions.
