The People’s Action Party (PAP) has appointed new chairpersons for all twelve Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) as the 15th Parliament opens on 5 September 2024. This comes after a significant reshuffle of leadership roles within the party, aimed at strengthening legislative scrutiny and facilitating feedback on government policies.
Key Changes in Leadership
- Tin Pei Ling moves from the Digital Development and Information GPC to chair the Transport GPC.
- Vikram Nair transitions from Defence and Foreign Affairs to lead the Home Affairs and Law GPC.
- Saktiandi Supaat shifts from Transport to head the Finance and Trade and Industry GPC.
- Yip Hon Weng takes over the Defence and Foreign Affairs GPC.
- Darryl David will now chair the Education GPC, a role he previously held as deputy chair.
First-Term MPs Join the GPCs
The new appointments will see nineteen first-time MPs join the committees as members. This infusion of fresh perspectives aims to enhance the rigorous debates surrounding various ministries’ legislation and policymaking.
A Legacy of Scrutiny
Established in 1987 by former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, GPCs play a critical role in reviewing legislation and government programmes. Each GPC corresponds to one or more ministries and functions as an important channel for public feedback.
Full List of GPC Chairpersons
- Culture, Community and Youth: Alex Yam
- Defence and Foreign Affairs: Yip Hon Weng
- Digital Development and Information: Sharael Taha
- Education: Darryl David
- Finance and Trade and Industry: Saktiandi Supaat
- Health: Mariam Jaafar
- Home Affairs and Law: Vikram Nair
- Manpower: Yeo Wan Ling
- National Development: Henry Kwek
- Social and Family Development: Xie Yao Quan
- Sustainability and the Environment: Poh Li San
- Transport: Tin Pei Ling
As the parliamentary sessions resume, these changes promise to keep the legislative process engaging and reflective of Singaporeans’ needs and aspirations.