Singapore’s Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan is currently warded in hospital after breaking his arm last week, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Details weren’t provided about Minister Khaw’s injury (highly unlikely to be a skateboarding accident), but PMO states that he fractured his left arm in a fall, and is currently receiving treatment in hospital. His injuries appear to be severe enough to get him out of action for several weeks in an extended medical leave.
Unfortunate timing of course, especially during the midst of heightened tensions with Malaysia over territorial waters and airspace borders. The man to take over Khaw’s duties is none other than Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, who has been appointed as Acting Minister for Transport.
“This ensures that the ongoing discussions with Malaysia on several transport matters will continue to be well coordinated,” wrote PMO in a statement.
Dr. Balakrishnan is well-acquainted with the situation, having met his Malaysian counterpart last month to reaffirm their commitment to improve bilateral ties between both their countries. Both foreign ministers have pushed for their officials to discuss and settle the issues that caused strained relations between the countries, arguably after Mahathir Mohamad returned to the premiership in Malaysia.
Last November, Kuala Lumpur protested Singapore’s plans to implement new landing procedures at Seletar Airport, saying the flight path used by the system would encroach on its airspace over Johor.
The maritime disputes erupted last December when Singapore accused Malaysia of “provocative intrusions” by sending vessels into its waters.
While Dr. Balakrishnan takes over the bilateral talks, other high-ranking members of the government will assist. Senior Minister of State Dr. Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State Dr. Janil Puthucheary and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Baey Yam Keng will assist Minister Balakrishnan on other transport matters and in the Committee of Supply debate. Minister Khaw will resume his post as soon as he is able to do so.
