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Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong
SINGAPORE – The 20 PAP MPs who retired at the recent general election made special efforts to show new candidates the ropes, after years of speaking up in Parliament and helping to improve policies. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged the contributions of the retired MPs at an appreciation dinner on July 4 at Parliament House – a PAP tradition to thank its outgoing comrades – and presented them with valedictory letters. With their help, the rookies did not have to start from scratch and could hit the ground running, he said. 'That is the PAP way – always thinking beyond ourselves, and investing in the next generation,' he added. The 20 MPs collectively served more than 280 years in Parliament – 'a tremendous legacy', he said. PM Wong said the decision to retire was not easy for everyone, although some who had served for several terms 'were more eager to pass the baton'. 'You know who you are – when you came to see me, you never failed to remind me that it was time to identify your successor,' he said, drawing laughter from the audience. Others asked to step down due to personal reasons, and he respected their decisions, he added. And a third group willingly stepped aside, putting the PAP's and Singapore's interests ahead of their own, he noted. 'A number of you could have easily continued for another term, but I had to ask you to make way for renewal and new blood,' said PM Wong. The PAP usually retires about a quarter to a third of its slate each election. A total of 32 new candidates were among those fielded in the 97 seats at the May 3 polls. 'You understood the party's decision and agreed to step aside with grace,' he added. The longest-serving MP in this batch of retirees is former senior minister Teo Chee Hean, who entered politics in 1992 and served seven terms. Mr Teo, 70, has agreed to contribute as senior adviser in the Prime Minister's Office, said PM Wong. Another example of a retiring PAP MP who became a senior adviser is former trade and industry minister Lim Hng Kiang, who took on the role after he stepped down from the Cabinet in 2018. He remains in the role despite having retired from politics in 2020. Seven retired MPs entered politics in the 2001 and 2006 elections – Dr Ng Eng Hen, Dr Maliki Osman, Mr Heng Chee How, Dr Amy Khor, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin and Dr Lim Wee Kiak. 'Special mention to Sitoh who worked hard over three elections to win the trust of our Potong Pasir residents,' said PM Wong. Mr Sitoh entered politics in 2001 to contest in the single seat, then held by opposition politician Chiam See Tong. He eventually won in his third contest in 2011, against Mr Chiam's wife Lina. Other retiring MPs – among them former deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat – came in later and served two to three terms. They include Ms Cheryl Chan, Mr Chong Kee Hiong, Mr Louis Ng, Ms Foo Mee Har, Mr Gan Thiam Poh and Dr Tan Wu Meng. Five MPs stepped down after one term: Ms Carrie Tan, Mr Derrick Goh, Mr Don Wee, Mr Fahmi Aliman and Ms Ng Ling Ling. Dr Khor, Ms Tan, Ms Chan, Mr Fahmi, Mr Gan and Ms Ng did not attend the dinner. Mr Heng Swee Keat will continue in his role as chairman of the National Research Foundation, a department under the Prime Minister's Office that looks at the nation's research and development efforts. 'We will continue to benefit from your counsel and wisdom,' said PM Wong of Mr Teo and Mr Heng. The retired MPs spoke up on a wide range of national issues in Parliament and for different segments of Singaporeans, such as caregivers, lower-wage workers, businesses and arts and cultural groups, he said. They participated actively in government parliamentary committees (GPCs) and gave feedback that helped to improve policies. These include the setting up of the Rare Disease Fund and the adoption of more flexible work arrangements, he added. GPCs, comprising PAP MPs, are meant to scrutinise legislation and programmes of the various ministries. The outgoing GPC chairs are Mr Sitoh for culture, community and youth, Dr Tan for health, Ms Chan for national development and Mr Ng for sustainability and the environment. PM Wong also cited several outgoing MPs for their memorable contributions – such as Dr Tan who always spoke up for his Clementi residents, and Mr Ng who tabled two Private Member's Bills on food donation and wild animals and birds. Outside of Parliament, the MPs were attentive and responsive to the needs of their residents, said PM Wong. They can look back with satisfaction on what they have done, including the improvements in their constituencies, he added. For example, Sembawang GRC – where Dr Lim was an MP – has a hot spring park, while Brickland in Chua Chu Kang GRC – formerly helmed by Mr Wee – has Singapore's only BMX cycling facility. PM Wong also specifically thanked the six office-holders – former DPM Heng, Mr Teo, Dr Ng, the former defence minister; Dr Maliki, former minister in the Prime Minister's Office; Mr Heng Chee How and Dr Khor, both former senior ministers of state. 'I've worked closely with all of you, and I've learnt a great deal from each of you,' he said. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Washington Post
20 minutes ago
- Washington Post
EPA says Trump's big bill should help in its fight to freeze billions in green bank funds
WASHINGTON — The sprawling tax and policy bill that passed Congress repeals a multibillion-dollar green bank for financing climate-friendly projects, and the Trump administration should be allowed to freeze its funding and cancel related contracts with nonprofits, federal officials said in a court filing. Climate United Fund and other nonprofits in March sued the Environmental Protection Agency, its administrator Lee Zeldin and Citibank, which held the program's money. The lawsuit argued the defendants had illegally denied the groups access to billions awarded last year through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, commonly referred to as a 'green bank.' The program was created by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Newsweek
21 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Andy Beshear's Chances of Winning 2028 Primary as He Gives Campaign Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declined to rule out running for president in a new Vanity Fair interview—here's what polls say about a potential Beshear candidacy. Newsweek reached out to Beshear's political team for comment via email. Why It Matters The 2028 presidential race is still more than three years away, but candidates who could be interested are already making early moves in hopes of building their name recognition and winning support from primary voters ahead of the election. Beshear, a Democrat, is among those who have been floated as a potential presidential candidate. Proponents of a Beshear run point to his electoral success in Kentucky, a reliably Republican state, as proof he can win over Republican and independent voters. However, polls suggest he is less known than other Democrats who could run in 2028. What to Know Beshear, who was speculated to be a potential vice presidential candidate for Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, addressed speculation about a potential run in an interview with Vanity Fair published Friday. "Two years ago, I wouldn't have considered [running for president]," he told the magazine. "But if I'm somebody who could maybe heal and bring the country back together, I'll think about it after next year." Early polls suggest most Democrats favor candidates like former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom or former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. But the primary still years away, meaning a dark horse candidate like Beshear could still break through. The latest Emerson College poll showed Beshear with support from 2 percent of respondents. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear attends a White House meeting in Washington, D.C. on February 10, 2023. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear attends a White House meeting in Washington, D.C. on February 10, that poll, 16 percent of respondents backed Buttigieg, 13 percent supported Harris and 12 percent leaned toward Newsom. Seven percent supported both Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, while 5 percent said they would prefer to vote for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Three percent backed New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Maryland Governor Wes Moore also received the backing of 2 percent of respondents. The poll surveyed 1,000 registered voters from June 24 to June 25 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. A Morning Consult poll from June found him similarly trailing other candidates with 1 percent support. That poll showed Harris leading with 36 percent of the vote. Buttigieg followed at 10 percent, and 5 percent backed Newsom and Ocasio-Cortez. It polled 1,000 Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents from June 13 to June 15, 2025. Beshear remains one of the most popular governors in the country. A Morning Consult survey found that he has a net approval rating of +43. Sixty-eight percent view him favorably, while only 25 percent give him negative marks. Supporters say that approval is especially impressive given President Donald Trump's 30-point victory in Kentucky. He won nearly 65 percent of the vote, compared to former Vice President Kamla Harris' 34 percent, in the 2024 election. What People Are Saying Beshear told Kentucky's WDRB in May: "But I don't want to leave a broken country to my kids. So, if I'm somebody who can bring this nation together, hopefully find some common ground, it's something I would consider." Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, said in June in remarks to WHAS: "If he wants to run, he should. He's a great guy. He's a wonderful governor. I've known him a long time." What Happens Next Candidates typically don't start making formal presidential runs until after the midterms, but other potential candidates are already laying the groundwork for 2028. Newsom, for instance, is heading to early-voting primary state South Carolina next week to tour several rural counties.
