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MINISTER of State Gan Kim Yong once described himself as a 'small fry' in politics.
However, the unassuming politician will turn into a big fish on Tuesday when he is promoted to Senior Minister of State and becomes Acting Minister for Manpower.
Still, he demurs. 'I'm still a small fry. I alone will not be able to do everything,' he told The Sunday Times.
'I'm just one piece in a big jigsaw puzzle. I still need to work with different agencies...to ensure our manpower policies are coherent.'
However, Mr Gan, 49, who entered politics in 2001, is not new to the labour landscape. He has been holding the twin posts of Minister of State for Manpower and Education since 2005.
At the Manpower Ministry, his focus has been on improving the employment prospects of older and low-wage workers amid plans to introduce a re-employment law by 2012. This law will require employers to offer to rehire workers beyond their retirement age of 62.
Yesterday, in his usual modest manner, Mr Gan said he has 'big shoes to fill' when he takes over from his boss, Dr Ng Eng Hen, adding: 'He is very decisive and clear in policymaking.'
But Dr Ng, who will move to head the Education Ministry, expressed confidence that Mr Gan will lead the ministry 'ably'.
Unlike Dr Ng who began his political career in the ministry during the recession years, Mr Gan is taking the helm at a time of plentiful jobs and record low unemployment.
Still, there will always be challenges, he said.
'Job creation will continue to be a key focus for us to ensure we have more and better quality jobs.
'We also have to refine manpower policies to be flexible and responsive to the external environment.'
Labour leaders, unionists and employers interviewed believe Mr Gan has what it takes to lead the ministry.
He has a 'sharp mind' and a good grasp of manpower issues, said Dr Ahmad Magad, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Manpower.
But it is his affable nature and listening skills that warm people to him, enabling him to forge consensus between workers and employers.
Said Mr Alexander Melchers, secretary of the Singapore-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce: 'He's approachable, open-minded and a good listener.'
Labour MP Seng Han Thong finds him 'cool and calm, and he listens when he debates with you'.
Union leader Bobby Tay said: 'He interacts easily...and treats us as his equal.''
His down-to-earth personality convinces political observer Viswa Sadasivan that Mr Gan will be a full minister 'very soon''.
sueann@sph.com.sg
chinlian@sph.com.sg
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