Lui Tuck Yew has served with 'honour and distinction': DPM Teo
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew at the Gali Batu Depot. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew has served with "honour and distinction", said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean today (Aug 11) as the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Mr Lui will be stepping down from politics and will not stand in the coming elections.
Mr Lui had confirmed his decision not to stand for re-election in the coming GE in a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today, after broaching the subject with Mr Lee early this year.
Mr Teo thanked Mr Lui “for serving, and being ready to take on challenging tasks”. He said in a statement that Mr Lui "has brought commitment, an analytical mind, and compassion and concern for people to every responsibility he has undertaken".
Mr Teo - who has known Mr Lui for more than 30 years and had encouraged him to enter politics - noted that since Mr Lui was elected in 2006, he has served the residents of Moulmein division and in a number of different portfolios.
“As the Minister for Transport since 2011, he has put all his energy into improving our transport system. The programmes he implemented have begun to show results and will in time improve our transport system significantly,” said Mr Teo, adding that he spoke to Mr Lui “to ask him to continue” but was unable to change his mind.
“I understand and respect his reasons,” said Mr Teo. “Tuck Yew has much to offer in whatever he pursues. I wish Tuck Yew, Soo Fen, and their family good health and much happiness.”
Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim, who is Mr Lui's fellow Member of Parliament from Moulmein-Kallang GRC, posted on Facebook: "Be it at our market visits, community events or the late night Meet-The-People’s sessions, Tuck Yew’s commitment to his residents is unwavering, and the residents and I are sad to see him go.
"We have been colleagues for almost 10 years now. During this time, Tuck Yew has handled diverse portfolios, including education, communications, defence and transport. He has always had a heart for Singaporeans, and strives to do his best for their needs. On behalf of the Moulmein-Kallang residents, I would like to thank Tuck Yew for his dedication and wish him all the very best."
