Chan Chun Sing poised for a bigger role, says ESM Goh

Minister Chan Chun Sing is set for a bigger role in Singapore politics, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said yesterday.

A day after the news of Mr Chan joining the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Mr Goh said on Facebook: "He led an army; he is leading a ministry; soon, he will lead the labour movement. With this array of experience, he is poised to play a bigger role in Singapore politics."

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Mr Chan was army chief and became the youngest member of the Cabinet after entering politics in the 2011 General Election.

He will leave the Ministry of Social and Family Development when he joins the NTUC full-time from April 1. He has already started at the labour movement part-time, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the NTUC said last Friday.

Mr Chan, 45, will be named deputy secretary-general on Tuesday, and is slated to run for union elections later this year. That puts him in line to succeed labour chief Lim Swee Say, who turns 62 next year.

Mr Goh's advice for Mr Chan: "Keep your feet firmly on the ground, open your heart to the people and work to advance their and the country's interests. Singapore needs to look forward."

Lim Yan Liang

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