What is the job of a Senior Minister?
Q: What is the job of a Senior Minister?
A: The job of Senior Minister in the political system of Singapore is taken by a prime minister or senior cabinet minister when he or she retires from that office, but still can help the government with their long experience.
Q: Who are some former Senior Ministers in Singapore?
A: The last Senior Ministers of Singapore were Goh Chok Tong, the second Prime Minister of Singapore and S Jayakumar, former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. This job has been held by Goh since August 12, 2004, and used to be held by Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, from November 28, 1990 until August 12, 2004 and S. Rajaratnam, former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore from 1985 to 1988.
Q: When was the position of Senior Minister created?
A: The position was created on November 28th 1990 when Lee Kuan Yew became its first holder.
Q: What happened after Goh Chok Tong became Senior Minister?
A: After Goh Chok Tong became Senior Minister a new ministerial job called "Minister Mentor" was created and given to Lee Kuan Yew.
Q: Who took over as Senior Minster after S Jayakumar retired?
A: After S Jayakumar retired from politics in 2011 the position was renamed Emeritus Senior Minster and is still headed by former prime minister Goh Chok Tong.
Q: What do opposition critics say about this role?
A: Some opposition critics say that the job of senior minister shows no respect for the political opposition in Singapore and relies too heavily on a dominant-party system.
