Halimah Yacob named Speaker of Parliament

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http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130108-394103.html

The former unionist will be the country's first female Speaker. She will have to resign from her ministerial post to take on the Speakership, as the Constitution requires it.

Below is a statement from Madam Halimah Yacob:

I am deeply honoured by this nomination to be the Speaker of the House. I am aware of the high demands and the heavy responsibilities of this office. If elected, I will do my best to uphold the integrity and dignity of our august Parliament, and to conduct proceedings in a fair and impartial manner. I look forward to working with all our honourable Members of Parliament.

I really love what I am doing now, and I had been working with so many wonderful people who champion the different causes, be it the disadvantaged, the elderly or women and children. I am glad that even if I am elected, I will be able to continue work on some of these areas such as social issues and pre-school education.

Below is the press statement from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong:

I intend to nominate Mdm Halimah Yacob to be elected as the Speaker of Parliament when Parliament next sits on Jan 14th. I briefed PAP MPs on this at a party caucus this afternoon, and received their full support.

As the Speaker cannot be elected from members who are office holders, Mdm Halimah will be resigning as Minister of State (MOS) on January 13, 2013.

I wish to thank Mdm Halimah for her many valuable contributions in the Cabinet, and as MOS(Community Development, Youth and Sports) and subsequently MOS(Social and Family Development) over the past two years. In Cabinet, Halimah spoke up with a practical, compassionate voice, helping us to shape effective policies with a human touch.

In her portfolio, Halimah oversaw the expansion of home- and community-based eldercare services, and introduced innovative concepts such as Senior Care Centres and Senior Home Care Services. She enhanced ComCare support for the poor and needy, and strengthened services for children and families in need of care and protection. Halimah also worked with women's groups to expand the space for women to contribute to our economy and society. She is passionate about these issues, and threw her heart and soul into the work, as she had done during her time in NTUC, tirelessly championing the cause of low-wage workers.

I look forward to Mdm Halimah continuing her interest in social issues and pre-school education, in a suitable capacity that is compatible with her role as Speaker.