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Video: 'Time to make way for fresh ideas'
National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan on Thursday issued a statement on his retirement from Cabinet, following Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's unveiling of his new Cabinet line-up on Wednesday. -- ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
OUTGOING Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan on Thursday took responsibility for the unhappiness among Singaporeans over the very sharp rise in housing prices, which he linked to the turnaround in the economy.
Speaking to reporters at a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) event on Thursday night, he said: 'Housing is always a very sensitive subject. And I guess to the extent that in the last couple of years, housing prices went up very sharply, coinciding with the very dramatic turnaround in the economy, I guess that resulted in quite a lot of unhappiness on the ground. And I accept responsibility for that.'
In his first comments to the media since his retirement from Cabinet was announced on Wednesday, the 62-year-old former scholar did not elaborate on the price rises but outlined some highlights and tough moments in his 23-year political career.
On Saturday, Mr Mah hands his portfolio to Mr Khaw Boon Wan, the current Health Minister. In his statement, Mr Mah expressed confidence that Mr Khaw would 'lead the ministry to even greater heights'.
He also said: 'I have been privileged to serve under three prime ministers, which has been an exceptionally satisfying and invaluable experience. I never imagined that I could have been given the great honour to serve my country in such a meaningful way.'

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan on Thursday issued a statement on his retirement from Cabinet, following Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's unveiling of his new Cabinet line-up on Wednesday. -- ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
OUTGOING Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan on Thursday took responsibility for the unhappiness among Singaporeans over the very sharp rise in housing prices, which he linked to the turnaround in the economy.
Speaking to reporters at a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) event on Thursday night, he said: 'Housing is always a very sensitive subject. And I guess to the extent that in the last couple of years, housing prices went up very sharply, coinciding with the very dramatic turnaround in the economy, I guess that resulted in quite a lot of unhappiness on the ground. And I accept responsibility for that.'
In his first comments to the media since his retirement from Cabinet was announced on Wednesday, the 62-year-old former scholar did not elaborate on the price rises but outlined some highlights and tough moments in his 23-year political career.
On Saturday, Mr Mah hands his portfolio to Mr Khaw Boon Wan, the current Health Minister. In his statement, Mr Mah expressed confidence that Mr Khaw would 'lead the ministry to even greater heights'.
He also said: 'I have been privileged to serve under three prime ministers, which has been an exceptionally satisfying and invaluable experience. I never imagined that I could have been given the great honour to serve my country in such a meaningful way.'