PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENT TO BBC INTERVIEWER

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Dr Lee Siew-Choh asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence if he will clarify the Prime Minister's statement to the British Broadcasting Corporation interviewer Stern that he would continue as a Member of the Cabinet after his retirement.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence (Mr Goh Chok Tong): Mr Speaker, Sir, there is nothing to clarify really. When Mr Lee was asked by the BBC interviewer what would happen to him after he has stepped down as Prime Minister, he replied, "Chances are I will stay in the Cabinet. That's what he said". "He" in this context refers to me.

I confirm that I had told Mr Lee that. Indeed I said so publicly in September last year when I announced the new Cabinet.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh (Non-Constituency Member): Will Mr Lee Kuan Yew then be a Minister?

Mr Goh Chok Tong: Mr Speaker, Sir, if he is a Member of the Cabinet he must be a Minister. He will be a Senior Minister in the Cabinet.