GE results a factor to Mr Mah’s stepping down?

 

Mah Bow Tan



SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said he accepted responsibility for the unhappiness over the sharp rises in housing prices.

In addition, he acknowledged that his housing portfolio may have cost him some political points with the electorate.

Mr Mah said this to reporters on the sidelines of a Building and Construction Authority event held Thursday evening.

" Housing is always a very sensitive topic, a very sensitive subject," Mr Mah said.

" And I guess to the extent that in the last couple of years, housing prices went up very sharply, coinciding with the very dramatic turnaround in the economy. Yeah, I guess.... that resulted in a lot of unhappiness on the ground and I accept responsibility for that."

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Wednesday that Mr Mah was stepping down from Cabinet.

In a statement issued earlier Thursday, Mr Mah revealed that two years ago, he had expressed his desire to retire at the end of the last term of Parliament.

But he was asked to stay on to fight in the elections.

Now that the elections have been " fought and won" , Mr Mah said it was all the more reason to step down.

" I have been privileged to serve under three prime ministers, which has been an exceptionally satisfying and invaluable experience. I’ve never imagined that I could have been given the great honour to serve my country in such a meaningful way," he said.

Mr Mah said he welcomes Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who will be taking over as National Development Minister.

" I am confident that (Mr Khaw) will lead the ministry to even greater heights," he said.

Asked if his decision was motivated by the outcome of the election results, Mr Mah said it was one of the factors.

He said it was a " clear signal" that he should retire " sooner rather than later" , and that there was a need for fresh minds and fresh ideas.

Mr Mah helmed the People’s Action Party team that contested in Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC), which garnered 57.2 per cent of votes.

On his future plans, Mr Mah, who remains a Member of Parliament (MP) for Tampines GRC, said he plans to spend more time with his residents, family and friends.

—CNA/wk