MS GRACE FU, Minister Of State (National Development)

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Still, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong believes it is only a 'matter of time' before Singapore has a woman as full minister.

There are currently three woman Ministers of State, but none made the cut to full minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle.

However, two of them, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua and Ms Grace Fu, will be promoted to Senior Ministers of State tomorrow.

Referring to them, Mr Goh said women do have a say in Cabinet.

'Both attend Cabinet meetings. So even though they might not be full ministers, they can give their views quite freely. In that sense, women are represented in the Cabinet,' he said.

His remarks come amid criticisms from women's groups and political watchers who were disappointed that there were no women helming ministries in the new Cabinet line-up.

Mr Goh noted that selecting ministers is not based on gender, but on the posts available and the suitability of the candidates with the ministries.

'And posts are limited, as you can see,' he said.

'The Prime Minister, and I would do the same thing, has opted to retain many of the old hands. But I think it's a matter of time before we see a woman minister.'

In the same way, race is also not a factor, said Mr Goh, in response to a question on why no Malay MP was promoted in the Cabinet changes.

'The way to get more women and more Malays considered in the future is to attract the best from the community to serve.'

KOR KIAN BENG