TODAY’S brief, Monday, April 11

Committee of Supply debates continue

The Committee of Supply debates on the various ministries’ budgets and plans will continue on Monday, with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Ministry of National Development expected to kick the week off. Last week saw debates for seven ministries, and this week will see the remaining eight ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office wrap up the debates for the year.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam arrives in the United States

Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam arrives in the United States on Monday for a six-day visit. He will be visiting Dallas, Houston, New York and Washington DC where he will meet with industry and thought leaders. He will also visit educational and skills training institutions and attending meetings of the International Monetary and Financial Committee of the IMF. While in New York, Mr Tharman will also launch a FinTech event.

Two-day summit in Hiroshima concludes

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven economies conclude a two-day summit in Hiroshima on Monday which discusses issues related to anti-terrorism, maritime security and nuclear disarmament. Mr John Kerry together with his counterparts from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan will also pay their respects at the city’s peace memorial on Monday, making him the first incumbent United States Secretary of State to do so.

Sarawak legislative assembly dissolves

The Sarawak legislative assembly dissolves on Monday to pave way for its 11th state elections. The Election Commission will have 60 days from Monday to announce the nomination and polling dates. Up for grabs are 82 seats, 11 more than the 2011 state elections. During that year, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition won 55 out of the 71 seats.

Weather forecast

Thundery showers are expected over many areas in the morning, with temperatures ranging from 24° C to 33° C.