Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew has announced that he would not be standing for re-election in the coming General Election.
Mr Lui wrote in his letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: “It is with deep regret that I confirm my decision not to stand in the coming General Election.”
“I broached this subject with you early this year. You and several senior members of the Cabinet tried hard to persuade me to change my mind. You reminded me that the responsibility of Government was a collective one, and no minister carried difficult problems like public transport alone.
“I deeply appreciate the reassurance and support. But having thought the matter over carefully, I have decided that I should stand by my original decision. I thank you for the unstinting support you have personally given to the Ministry of Transport and me.”
Mr Lui went on to state, “I have put my utmost into fulfilling my responsibilities. I thank you for letting me know your intention to reappoint me as a Cabinet Minister if I was to be re-elected at the coming General Election,” wrote the Transport Minister.
“But the General Election also provides an opportunity for me to step back from politics without causing any major disruption to Government at the end of its term. You are also bringing in new potential office holders to strengthen the Cabinet.”
Reluctantly accept Mr Lui’s decision
Prime Minister Lee in his letter to Mr Lui, wrote, “I am disappointed I did not succeed in changing your mind,” and that he would “reluctantly accept” Mr Lui’s decision.
He went on to say, “You have done very good work as Minister for Transport. When I asked you to helm the Ministry of Transport in 2011, we both knew you had a very difficult job, but you did not hesitate to take up the challenge.
“There were urgent things to be done, especially expanding and improving the public transport system. Public expectations were high. You put your heart and soul into the task. As a result, we made significant progress over the last four years.”
Uncanny coincidence?
The independent Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) announced its report on the new electoral boundaries on July 24
That was soon after Mr Lee revealed in Parliament on 13 July that the EBRC was formed two months before he was made to respond to questions about the date of election brought up by two MPs.
Mr Lui mentioned in the letter that he had brought up the issue of his reluctance to stand for the next election in the upcoming GE and Mr Lee acknowledged that as a matter of fact.
Apart from being the Transport Minister, Mr Lui is also the anchor Member of Parliament at the Moulmein-Kallang GRC. The released report by the EBRC has erased Mr Lui’s GRC ward from the list of constituencies to be contested for the upcoming General Election.
