Outgoing defence chief confirms intention to enter politics
PUBLISHED ONAugust 18, 2015 8:46 AM
SINGAPORE - Outgoing Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng has announced his intention to enter politics, Channel NewsAsia reported.
His last day with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), where he served for 29 years, is today.
"It's an open secret where I'm going next," the 47-year-old was quoted by Channel NewsAsia as saying.
"And one of the things why I've decided, with the blessings of my family, to step forward, is really to serve the Singapore which I grew up in. For giving me all the opportunities through our meritocratic system. It's not something that I've seen in many parts of the world. I'm indebted to Singapore."
The announcement of LG Ng's retirement from the SAF on July 31 had fuelled speculation that he would be the first defence chief here to step into the political arena. If he contests in the upcoming general election, he will be the highest-ranking military officer to do so.
huizhen@sph.com.sg