Former army chief takes over as defence chief

SINGAPORE - Major-General Perry Lim has officially assumed his position as Chief of Defence Force.

He received the command symbol from Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, who announced his intention to enter politics today, at a change of command parade witnessed by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

MG Lim is the former Chief of Army and has been in the Singapore Armed Forces since 1990.

In a Facebook post, Dr Ng thanked LG Ng for his "exemplary leadership and sterling contributions" as Chief of Defence Force, and asked the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to now give their full support to MG Lim as its new leader.

"As previous Chief of Army, he successfully executed a series of changes that have made the Army more efficient and resilient. He must now do the same for the entire SAF, as Chief of Defence Force," Dr Ng said.

"Singapore continues to face threats. The Bangkok blast yesterday reminds us that others can bring harm to us at our shopping malls and community places. MG Lim must lead the SAF to be able to protect Singapore's interests and Singaporeans' lives."

huizhen@sph.com.sg