Defence chief Ng Chee Meng to retire on Aug 18
Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng (left) and Army chief Perry Lim (right). PHOTOS: MINDEF
PUBLISHED
8 MIN AGO
SINGAPORE - Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng will retire from the SAF, fuelling speculation that he is likely to enter politics.
LG Ng, who took over the helm in 2013, will step down on Aug 18.
Taking over him is current army chief Perry Lim, who will hand over his top post in the army to Chief Guards Officer Melvyn Ong.
Announcing LG Ng's retirement on Friday, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a Facebook post that the 47-year-old is leaving the SAF "on a high, having brought the SAF through many challenges and changes successfully".
Dr Ng said: Inevitably, there will be questions asked about LG Ng's future plans, particularly, if he is entering politics. Given his tested leadership and proven capabilities, I would not at all be surprised, if indeed he is."
"But I have advised LG Ng, not to be distracted or entertain these queries but to instead focus on important national events ahead, particularly the National Day Parade. There will be a more appropriate time to address interests in his future plans."
Thanking the defence chief for his service in his 29-year-career, the defence minister also said that LG Ng will be awarded the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [Meritorious Service Medal (Military)] this year.
Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng (left) and Army chief Perry Lim (right). PHOTOS: MINDEF
PUBLISHED
8 MIN AGO
SINGAPORE - Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng will retire from the SAF, fuelling speculation that he is likely to enter politics.
LG Ng, who took over the helm in 2013, will step down on Aug 18.
Taking over him is current army chief Perry Lim, who will hand over his top post in the army to Chief Guards Officer Melvyn Ong.
Dr Ng said: Inevitably, there will be questions asked about LG Ng's future plans, particularly, if he is entering politics. Given his tested leadership and proven capabilities, I would not at all be surprised, if indeed he is."
"But I have advised LG Ng, not to be distracted or entertain these queries but to instead focus on important national events ahead, particularly the National Day Parade. There will be a more appropriate time to address interests in his future plans."
Thanking the defence chief for his service in his 29-year-career, the defence minister also said that LG Ng will be awarded the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [Meritorious Service Medal (Military)] this year.
