Janil Puthucheary to be new PAP party whip, taking over from Chan Chun Sing
Dr Janil Puthucheary (left) takes over as PAP party whip from Mr Chan Chun Sing (right) from June 6, 2019.
SINGAPORE — The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has appointed Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Transport as well as Communications and Information, as its new party whip.
He takes over the position from Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing with effect from Thursday (June 6).
In a media statement signed off by Mr Chan, it said that Dr Puthucheary will be assisted by two deputy party whips, Ms Sim Ann, who is Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information, and Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Minister of State for Manpower and National Development.
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Ms Sim, who is also Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, was already deputy party whip under Mr Chan, who assumed the party whip position on Sept 28, 2015.
Mr Zaqy takes over the deputy role from Mr Sam Tan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs as well as Social and Family Development.
The party whip ensures good communication within the party and “contributes to the smooth running of the party's parliamentary machinery”, a statement on the Parliament's website read.
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The whip also lists the speaking Members of Parliament (MPs) for each item of business, and estimates the time required so that a parliamentary sitting can be completed within schedule.
“Often regarded as the disciplinarian in his respective party, the whip ensures that there are sufficient party members in the chamber to support the party's position and that MPs vote according to the party's line,” the statement said.
“Occasionally, he may ‘lift the whip’ and allow MPs to vote according to their conscience.”
