Former Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan revealed in his latest blog post that he feels “greater trepidation” at the prospect of taking over the Ministry of National Development (MND) than when he accepted his previous position.
“I came to MOH (Ministry of Health) during SARS with some trepidation, not quite sure what I was walking into,” Mr. Khaw wrote.
“I will go to MND with even greater trepidation. First, it is red-hot with widespread unhappiness. Second, unlike MOH, which is familiar territory, housing is a new frontier for me.”
Mr. Khaw added that he will take over MND “in all sincerity”, determined to improve it and make a useful contribution.
“I am driven by only one thought: housing is one of the greatest achievements of Singapore, and our pride. It is very sad to see it being hammered left, right and centre in the lead-up to and during (the) GE (general election).”
“I am determined to make housing and HDB Singaporeans’ popular icon again.”
Replacing Mah Bow Tan as the new National Development Minister, Mr. Khaw was sworn into office on 21 May 2011. Property analysts are anticipating policy changes from MND that will affect the HDB and mass market private housing segments.
Entitled “Goodbye, My Friends,” the blog post also revealed that Mr. Khaw hopes Singaporeans will bear with him and promised to work “triply hard” to abridge the learning curve, “listen intently” to all criticism and suggestions and “work humbly” with MND’s housing experts and beyond.
He added, “I am leaving MOH with optimism that our healthcare system will continue to make progress. I am confident because of the quality of leadership at MOH and its many world-class institutions. We are not perfect, I know. But it is not bad. It certainly offers very good value for money.”
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