Mr Masagos Zulkifli sworn-in as a full minister

SINGAPORE — Mr Masagos Zulkifli was sworn-in today (April 9) as a full minister, following yesterday’s announcement that he has been promoted, making him one of two Malay Ministers in the 17-member Cabinet.

With his promotion, Mr Masagos will be a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs. He had been Senior Minister of State in both ministries since 2012.

The news of his promotion had garnered strong support from the Malay and Muslim community leaders.

Writing on his Facebook page today, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he had witnessed Mr Masagos’ swearing in. “His sincerity, ability and hard work have earned him the respect of colleagues and Singaporeans,” Mr Lee noted.

Pointing out that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are “big ministries, with many issues and areas to cover”, Mr Lee said Mr Masagos, as an additional Second Minister in these two ministries, would be a great help to Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is Home Affairs Minister, and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam.

“Happy that Masagos’ wife and sons could come. The family’s support and help are crucial, and much appreciated by all of us in politics,” Mr Lee added.