Vivian Balakrishnan to act as Transport Minister

As Mr. Khaw, 66, is currently warded and receiving treatment, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, 58, has been appointed Acting Minister for Transport and will take part in the Singapore-Malaysia bilateral negotiations.

Dr. Balakrishnan's appointment ensures that the ongoing discussions with Malaysia on several transport matters will continue to be well-coordinated, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. Mr. Khaw, who is also Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure, will resume duties when he is able to do so, which is likely to be "after several weeks", the PMO added.

Senior Ministers of State Lam Pin Min and Janil Puthucheary as well as Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng will be assisting Dr. Balakrishnan on other transport matters and in the upcoming Parliament debate on the spending plans of the ministry.