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'{{Infobox Minister | honorific-prefix = [[The Right Honourable]] | name = Khaw Boon Wan | native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|zh-hans|许文远}}}} | honorific_suffix = [[Singapore Parliament|MP]] | image =Minister_Khaw_Boon_Wan.JPG | caption = Khaw Boon Wan | office = [[Ministry of Transport (Singapore)|Minister for Transport]] | term_start = 1 October 2015 | term_end = 10 July 2020 | primeminister= [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | predecessor = [[Lui Tuck Yew]] | office1 = [[Co-ordinating Minister for Infrastructure]] | term_start1 = 1 October 2015 | term_end1 = 10 July 2020 | primeminister1 = [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | predecessor1 = ''Position established'' | successor1 = | constituency =[[Sembawang Group Representation Constituency|Sembawang GRC]] | office2 = [[People's Action Party|Chairman of the People's Action Party]] | term_start2 = 1 June 2011 | term_end2 = 23 November 2018 | deputy2 = [[Yaacob Ibrahim]] | predecessor2 = [[Lim Boon Heng]] | successor2 = [[Gan Kim Yong]] | constituency_MP3 =[[Sembawang Group Representation Constituency|Sembawang GRC]] <br/> (Sembawang) | parliament3 = Singapore | term_start3 = 7 May 2006 | term_end3 = 10 July 2020 | office4 = [[Ministry of National Development (Singapore)|Minister for National Development]] | term_start4 = 21 May 2011 | term_end4 = 30 September 2015 | primeminister4 = [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | predecessor4 = [[Mah Bow Tan]] | successor4 = [[Lawrence Wong]] | office5 = [[Ministry of Health (Singapore)|Minister for Health]]<br/>{{small|(Acting : 1 August 2003–12 August 2004)}} | term_start5 = 12 August 2004 | term_end5 = 20 May 2011 | primeminister5 = [[Goh Chok Tong]] <br/> [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | predecessor5 = [[Lim Hng Kiang]] | successor5 = [[Gan Kim Yong]] | constituency_MP6 =[[Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency|Tanjong Pagar GRC]] <br/> (Moulmein) | parliament6 = Singapore | term_start6 = 4 November 2001 | term_end6 = 6 May 2006 | birth_name = Khaw Boon Wan | birth_date ={{birth date and age|df=yes|1952|12|08}} | birth_place = [[Penang]], [[Malaysia]] | death_date = | death_place = | citizenship = [[Singapore]] | nationality = [[Singaporean]] | spouse = Jean Khaw | children = 3 | party = [[People's Action Party]] | alma_mater = [[National University of Singapore]] <br/> [[University of Newcastle (Australia)|University of Newcastle]] | signature = }} {{chinese-name|[[Xǔ (surname)|Khaw]]}} '''Khaw Boon Wan''' {{post-nominals|post-noms=[[Parliament of Singapore|MP]]}} (born 8 December 1952) is a former Singaporean politician who served as the [[Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure]] and the [[Ministry of Transport (Singapore)|Minister for Transport]] from 1 October 2015 to July 2020 for almost five years. He is previously the [[Chairman]] of the governing [[People's Action Party]] (PAP) after [[Lim Boon Heng]] stepped down from the position from 2011 to 2018. He was previously the [[Ministry of Health (Singapore)|Minister for Health]] from August 2004 to May 2011 and the [[Ministry of National Development (Singapore)|Minister for National Development]] from May 2011 to September 2015. He was a [[Member of Parliament]] (MP) from 2001 to 2020. Khaw announced his retirement from politics after 19 years on 26 June 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan to retire from politics after 19 years |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/khaw-boon-wan-transport-minister-retire-from-politics-sembawang-12873480 |website=CNA |accessdate=26 June 2020 |date=26 June 2020}}</ref> ==Early career== Born in [[Federation of Malaya]] (modern-day [[Malaysia]]) to a [[Malaysian Chinese]] family,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.malaysianchinesenews.com/2015/10/do-not-touch-on-racial-sensitivities/|title=Do not touch on racial sensitivities|work=Malaysian Chinese News|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> Khaw moved to Singapore in 1977 and began his career in the [[Singapore Civil Service]], working at the [[Ministry of Health (Singapore)|Ministry of Health]].<ref name="Newcastle">{{cite web|url=http://newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Divisions/Vice-Chancellor/Corporate%20Development%20and%20Community%20Partnerships/Honorary%20Degree%20Recipients/Khaw%20Boon%20Wan%20Citation.pdf|title=Citation: Khaw Boon Wan|date=13 December 2002|publisher=University of Newcastle|accessdate=21 July 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028080739/http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Divisions/Vice-Chancellor/Corporate%20Development%20and%20Community%20Partnerships/Honorary%20Degree%20Recipients/Khaw%20Boon%20Wan%20Citation.pdf|archivedate=28 October 2012}}</ref> From 1985 to 1987, Khaw served as the first [[Chief Executive Officer]] (CEO) of the [[National University Hospital]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nuh.com.sg/news/media-articles_809.html|title=Media Articles::National University Hospital|website=www.nuh.com.sg|language=en-us|access-date=2017-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131511/https://www.nuh.com.sg/news/media-articles_809.html|archive-date=2017-12-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also worked in the [[Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital]], and the [[Singapore General Hospital]]. From 1992 to 1995, Khaw served as the Principal Private Secretary to [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Goh Chok Tong]] (who is currently Emeritus Senior Minister) From 1995 to 2001, he served as the Permanent Secretary at the [[Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore)|Ministry of Trade and Industry]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pmo.gov.sg/cabinet/mr-khaw-boon-wan|title=Mr KHAW Boon Wan|last=superadmin|date=2014-10-20|website=Prime Minister‘s Office Singapore|language=en|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> Khaw contested in the [[Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency|Tanjong Pagar GRC]] during the [[2001 Singaporean general election|2001 general election]] and was successfully elected to be a Member of Parliament. He was given the role of acting Minister for Health from 1 August 2003 before being promoted to a full Minister in August 2004.<ref>https://www.parliament.gov.sg/mps/list-of-current-mps/mp/details/khaw-boon-wan</ref> ==Minister for Health (2004 - 2011)== As Minister for Health, Khaw played a key role in combating the [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome|SARS]] epidemic that happened between February to June 2003,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Singapore|first1=National Library Board|title=Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, 2003 {{!}} Infopedia|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1529_2009-06-03.html|website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg}}</ref> which put a strain on and tested Singapore's public health resources. Khaw was also noted for his role in handling the [[National Kidney Foundation Singapore scandal|National Kidney Foundation (NKF) scandal]], and made [[Gerard Ee]] the new Chairman of the NKF following the resignation of [[T. T. Durai]]. Responding to a report by international auditing firm [[KPMG]] in Parliament in December 2005, Khaw vowed to punish all wrongdoers in the saga and heavily criticised NKF's "bizarre HR policies".<ref>https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/pressRoomItemRelease/2005/statement_by_health_minister_Khaw_Boon_Wan_on_KPMG_s_report_on_the_national_kidney_foundation(NKF).html{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In a parliamentary speech on 9 February 2009, in the context of tackling the rising healthcare costs, Khaw suggested that Singaporeans can consider sending their elderly parents to nursing homes in [[Johor Bahru]] in [[Malaysia]], which is a [[developing country]] located close to [[Singapore]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Live in nursing homes in JB?|url=https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/RealEdge/conversations/topics/8998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Nursing homes in Johor Bahru – revisited|url=http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2009/02/nursing-homes-in-johor-bahru-revisited/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Putting our old folks in Johor|url=http://singaporemind.blogspot.sg/2009/02/putting-our-old-folks-in-johor.html|access-date=2015-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513214318/http://singaporemind.blogspot.sg/2009/02/putting-our-old-folks-in-johor.html|archive-date=2015-05-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> This was quoted by news reports and a public outcry ensued. Khaw subsequently clarified that his statement was quoted out of context by the media and his suggestion was only one of the many choices available to Singaporeans.<ref>{{cite news|title=JB nursing homes – MOH clarifies|url=http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2009/03/jb-nursing-homes-moh-clarifies/}}</ref> In 2010, Khaw wrote on his blog explaining that his heart bypass surgery had only cost him a mere $8 ([[Singapore dollar|SGD]]) in cash in a class A ward, as the rest of the cost was offset by payments combined from his universal [[Healthcare in Singapore|Medishield]] account and private insurance. This sparked off a debate in the public sphere, with many questioning if an ordinary Singaporean had the means to pay for such high insurance premiums as he did in the first place.<ref>{{cite news|title=Khaw Boon Wan pays S$8 for bypass surgery|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/theonlinecitizen/khaw-boon-wan-pays-s8-for-bypass-surgery/446633433963/}}</ref> Members of the pro-PAP group, Silent No More, defended Khaw's claim and encouraged one another to rebut Internet users who had made jibes at Khaw.<ref>{{cite news|title=Supporters seek to amplify PAP voice online|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/supporters-seek-to-amplify-pap-voice-online|work=The Straits Times|date=20 September 2015|language=en}}</ref> ==Minister for National Development (2011 - 2015)== Following the [[2011 Singaporean general election|2011 general election]] where the ruling PAP garnered its lowest vote share of 60.1% since independence, Khaw was appointed the [[Minister for National Development (Singapore)|Minister for National Development]]. At a press conference, Prime Minister [[Lee Hsien Loong]] revealed that Khaw had volunteered for this new role as the public was extremely unhappy with the Government's [[Public housing in Singapore|housing policy]], and Khaw felt that he had the ability to solve the problem. In his new appointment, Khaw assured the public that he will make housing affordable and accessible to all Singaporeans.<ref>{{cite news|title=University degree 'not vital for success'|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/reachsingapore/university-degree-not-vital-for-success/10151461680218795}}</ref> In his 2013 budget debate, he said: <blockquote>“We can now pause and see what else we can do to bring Build-to-Order (BTO) prices in non-mature estates to, say, around four years of salary as it was before the current property cycle started.”<ref>{{cite web|last1=Khaw|first1=Boon Wan|title=Shaping Housing Policies Together|url=http://www.mnd.gov.sg/budgetdebate2013/speech_kbw.htm|website=Ministry of National Development|accessdate=28 July 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306055538/http://www.mnd.gov.sg/budgetdebate2013/speech_kbw.htm|archivedate=6 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref></blockquote> Though the relative prices of [[Build to order (HDB)|Build To Order]] (BTO) flats have fallen since Khaw's speech, most of the flats still cost more than four years of an applicant's salary.<ref>{{cite news|title=Singapore Housing Board flats more affordable now|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/business/asia/singapore/2014/11/18/422063/Singapore-Housing.htm}}</ref> The prices of new flats remain high despite six rounds of cooling measures.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cooling measures ineffective as prices continue to rise|url=http://www.iproperty.com.sg/news/7365/Cooling-measures-ineffective-as-prices-continue-to-rise}}</ref> In January 2013, a seventh round of property cooling measures was introduced to moderate the increase in residential and industrial prices. In July 2012, [[National Parks Board]]'s (NParks) purchase of 26 [[Brompton Bicycle|Brompton bikes]] costing $2,200 each sparked a nation wide uproar after it was revealed by a whistleblower on online forum [[HardwareZone]] of possible corruption due numerous red flags in the way the procurement was done.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%252BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120802-362835.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2017-08-21 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029045642/http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120802-362835.html |archivedate=2017-10-29 }}</ref> Khaw, who initially defended NPark's purchase of the high-end foldable bikes, was criticised for handling the saga poorly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mothership.sg/2013/10/hardwarezone-forum-broke-brompton-bike-fiasco/|title=How Hardwarezone Forum broke the Brompton bike fiasco|website=Mothership.sg|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> Subsequent investigation by the [[Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau]] resulted in National Parks Board assistant director Bernard Lim Yong Soon being fined $5,000 for lying to auditors about his relationship with the bicycle firm which was awarded the tender.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/brompton-bikes-case-nparks-officer-fined-maximum-5000-for-lying-to-auditors|title=Brompton bikes case: NParks officer fined maximum $5,000 for lying to auditors|last=migration|date=2014-06-10|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> He also led the initiative to encourage cycling in the city state, such as through transforming the [[Park Connector Network]] for use by people on bikes as well as walking.<ref>{{cite news|title=Singapore aiming to make cycling "viable transport option": Khaw Boon Wan |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/singapore-aiming-to-make-cycling-viable-transport-option-khaw-boon-wan}}</ref> During a parliamentary session on 12 February 2015, Khaw spoke on the Auditor-General's findings on the opposition-run [[Aljunied Group Representation Constituency|Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council]]'s alleged financial irregularities. <blockquote>If an auditor makes such a finding on a listed company, it will immediately cause consternation among the shareholders, and a call for the removal of the CEO and the Board of Directors. In Japan, the Chairman and CEO would hold a press conference and take a deep bow. And in the good old days, they may even commit ''harakiri''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Singapore Parliament Reports, Thursday 12 February 2015, Vol 93|url=https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/report.jsp?currentPubID=00007207-WA|website=Parliament of Singapore|access-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115224638/https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/report.jsp?currentPubID=00007207-WA|archive-date=15 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref></blockquote> The quote on committing [[seppuku]] (harakiri) when top leaders make mistakes became part of Singapore’s political lexicon<ref>{{cite web|title=GE2015: Five faux pas worthy of hara-kiri|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ge2015-five-faux-pas-worthy-160655439.html|language=en-SG}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=LTA-SMRT press con: 7 quotes from Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan too epic not to share|url=https://mothership.sg/2017/10/lta-smrt-press-con-7-quotes-from-transport-minister-khaw-boon-wan-too-epic-not-to-share/|website=Mothership.sg}}</ref> as various irregularities and lapses of other government agencies started surfacing,<ref>{{cite news|title=WP flashes red card at Govt for its interference in sports|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/wp-flashes-red-card-at-govt-for-its-interference-in-sports|quote="The sports minister should be committing hara kiri," she added, referencing a term National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan had earlier used in Parliament as an attack on the WP over its management of the Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council.|work=The Straits Times|date=4 September 2015|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Auditor-General raps government agencies for lapses|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/auditor-general-raps-government-agencies-for-lapses|website=The Straits Times|language=en|date=19 July 2017}}</ref> along with the persistent train breakdowns under Khaw's Transportation portfolio in later years.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Philemon|first1=Jewel|title=Netizens savagely rip apart Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan and SMRT CEO's apologies|url=http://www.theindependent.sg/netizens-savagely-rip-apart-transport-minister-khaw-boon-wan-and-smrt-ceos-apologies/|work=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ST Forum letter criticising LTA excuses on MRT breakdowns, receives outpouring of support and praises|url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2017/10/10/st-forum-letter-criticising-lta-excuses-on-mrt-breakdowns-receives-outpour-of-support-and-praises/|website=The Online Citizen|date=10 October 2017}}</ref> Khaw came under fire in 2015 when it was revealed that a site in [[Sengkang]] designated for religious use was awarded to a commercial company to develop a [[columbarium]] instead. Residents of an upcoming BTO public housing project in the vicinity demanded a refund as they did not know they would have to live next to a columbarium.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/how-the-columbarium-saga-unfolded|title=How the columbarium saga unfolded|last=migration|date=2015-01-30|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> Responding to opposition MP [[Lee Li Lian]]'s questions in Parliament, Khaw acknowledged the oversight and used the [[Butterfly Lovers]] analogy to explain how "tender procedures have not caught up with time ... the (HDB) officers assessing the tender just assumed that it must be a company affiliated to some religious organisation".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/sengkang-columbarium-khaw-boon-wan-takes-questions-from-mps|title=Sengkang columbarium: Khaw Boon Wan takes questions from MPs|last=migration|date=2015-01-29|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> The columbarium plan was eventually aborted.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parliament-there-will-be-no-commercial-columbarium-in-fernvale-says-khaw-boon-wan|title=Parliament: There will be no commercial columbarium in Fernvale, says Khaw Boon Wan|last=migration|date=2015-01-29|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> ==Minister for Transport (2015 - 2020)== On 28 September 2015, it was announced that Khaw will be the Co-ordinating Minister for Infrastructure as well as the Minister for Transport from 1 October 2015,<ref>{{cite news|title=ST Now, News As It Happens|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/st-now-news-as-it-happens-sept-28-2015#xtor=CS1-10}}</ref> taking over a portfolio that has been under heavy public scrutiny.<ref>{{cite news|title=Will Khaw Boon Wan be the next transport minister?|url=http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/will-khaw-boon-wan-be-next-transport-minister|work=The New Paper|date=28 September 2015|language=en}}</ref> Khaw wrote on his blog that he did not volunteer for the "thankless" job, but accepted it nevertheless as he put the nation's interest above his own.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/khaw-boon-wan-on-why-he-said-yes-to-transport-minister-post|title=Khaw Boon Wan on why he said yes to Transport Minister post|last=hermesauto|date=2015-09-28|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> {{quote box | quoted = true | width = 580px | align = center | salign = left | quote = If my term turns out to be a thankless job, the loss is personal. But if we succeed collectively in transforming the city, the benefits will go to millions of Singaporeans. In such a cost-benefit equation, I will be selfish to say “no” to PM. I just hope that my heart, my own body train, can withstand the stress and do not breakdown. | source = Khaw Boon Wan }} A key tenet of Khaw's transport policy is his vision of transforming Singapore into a [[Car-free movement|car-lite]] city by 2030, which includes building a "smarter, greener and more inclusive transport system".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ministerkhawboonwan/videos/1374084019317481/|title=Khaw Boon Wan|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-26}}</ref> He has stated publicly that 75% of trips should be made by public transport by 2030.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/to-be-car-lite-be-road-lite-too|title=To be car-lite, be road-lite too|last=hermes|date=2016-02-03|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-26|language=en}}</ref> Khaw has also advocated for the use of driverless buses to tackle the manpower crunch. Three towns in Singapore will introduce these new vehicles by 2022.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-42090987|title=Driverless buses in Singapore 'by 2022'|date=2017-11-23|work=BBC News|access-date=2017-11-26|language=en-GB}}</ref> ===Death of SMRT trainees=== {{main|Pasir Ris rail accident}} Two SMRT trainees were killed on 22 March 2016 in the [[Pasir Ris rail accident]], after they were hit on the tracks by an oncoming train near [[Pasir Ris MRT station|Pasir Ris station]]. They were investigating a possible signalling fault on the tracks.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/smrt-director-among-those-charged-over-fatal-train-accident-7652686|title=SMRT, director among those charged over fatal train accident|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> The driver of the oncoming train was not informed of their presence on the tracks. Khaw received flak for his insensitive Facebook post on 23 March 2016 for a conflated post celebrating 150 days of no train service disruptions for the new Downtown Line while offering condolences to the two SMRT staff killed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mothership.sg/2016/03/khaw-boon-wan-getting-flak-for-insensitive-facebook-post-about-smrt-tragedy/|title=Khaw Boon Wan getting flak for insensitive Facebook post about SMRT tragedy|website=Mothership.sg|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> A coroners’ inquiry was convened to investigate on the causes of the accident and whether it was due to human error.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smrt-getting-flak-online-over-sacking-2-employees-involved-fatal-train-track-accident|title=Online flak for SMRT after sacking of 2 staff involved in Pasir Ris accident|website=www.todayonline.com|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> SMRT admitted that safety procedures were not adhered to, which was in breach of the Workplace Safety and Health Act.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/smrt-director-fined-55000-over-death-trainees|title=SMRT director fined $55,000 over death of trainees|date=2017-10-02|work=The New Paper|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> ===Defective trains=== On 5 July 2016, Hong Kong based investigative news agency, [[FactWire]] broke news about 35 SMRT trains being secretively shipped back to China for repair by manufacturer CSR Sifang Locomotive & Rolling Stock Company Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.factwire.org/single-post/2016/07/05/China-manufacturer-for-MTR-secretly-recalls-35-Singapore-subway-trains-after-cracks-found|title=China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 Singapore subway trains after cracks found|last=|first=|date=|website=FactWire News Agency|access-date=2017-08-26}}</ref> It was reported that cracks were found in the structure connecting the car body and the bogie. After remaining silent for a week, Khaw came out to explain that the cracks were not safety issues and that the news could result in “undue panic” during a briefing at the [[Bishan Depot]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/07/13/minister-khaw-news-of-the-defective-trains-could-have-caused-undue-panic/|title=Minister Khaw: News of the defective trains could have caused undue panic|date=2016-07-13|work=The Online Citizen|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-GB}}</ref> He criticised the news agency for mischief and even suggested that Singapore is a victim caught in the rivalry between political factions in Hong Kong and China.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theindependent.sg/khaw-mischievous-to-spin-train-defect-issue-into-controversy/|title=Khaw: Mischievous to spin train defect issue into controversy|last=Independent|first=The|work=The Independent|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mothership.sg/2016/07/factwire-rebuts-transport-minister-khaw-boon-wan-deeply-regrets-his-false-statements/|title=FactWire rebuts Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan, deeply regrets his false statements|website=Mothership.sg|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> FactWire noted that instead of taking responsibility for an incident which has damaged the Singaporean public’s trust in the authorities, Khaw chose to blame the news agency for exposing the cover up.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/07/14/factwire-regrets-false-statement-by-singapores-tranport-minister/|title=FactWire regrets false statement by Singapore's Tranport Minister|date=2016-07-14|work=The Online Citizen|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-GB}}</ref> FactWire defended its reporting and denied allegations of political interference. In an open letter to Khaw on 14 July, the agency maintained that it is funded by the Hong Kong public and that its reporting is independent of commercial or political considerations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.todayonline.com/chinaindia/china/factwire-defends-reporting-takes-issue-khaws-comments-smrt-train-defects|title=HK agency that broke news of defective trains stands by report|work=TODAYonline|access-date=2017-08-26|language=en|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917165014/http://www.todayonline.com/chinaindia/china/factwire-defends-reporting-takes-issue-khaws-comments-smrt-train-defects|archivedate=2016-09-17}}</ref> ===Increased transport fares=== Khaw had indicated in March 2017 that public transportation fares were set to increase and a fare review will be conducted by the Public Transport Council (PTC). Rationalizing the move, Khaw said that operating costs have been increasing, rendering the current fare structure "unsustainable" despite subsidies from the government.<ref>http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/not-sustainable-taxpayers-bear-rising-public-transport-costs</ref> He further stressed the need to strike a "fair balance" in the proportion of transport costs between commuters, the government and the transport operators.<ref>http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/need-to-strike-balance-in-transport-cost-burden-khaw-boon-wan-8769378</ref> Khaw's comments were met with discontent among the public, with many questioning if transport fare increases have been tied to service improvements, and whether there is a need for a fare hike when the transport operators have been generating profitable growth.<ref>http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/make-sure-bus-train-fare-increases-are-tied-to-service-improvements</ref><ref>https://statestimesreview.com/2017/03/08/minister-khaw-boon-wan-lie-in-parliament-public-transport-service-improving/</ref> On 7 March 2018, Khaw pushed for a review of the current fare formula and transfers. However, fares will be reviewed depending on the economic and market conditions. Currently, the "bus service must not be the same as the preceding bus service" is abolished and became a transfer.<ref>https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2018/03/07/khaw-boon-wan-says-cheap-fares-are-popular-but-not-sustainable-gets-whacked-by-netizens/</ref> ===Media controversy=== On 27 July 2017, at a forum on infrastructure management, Khaw stated that train reliability has improved three times since he took over.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/khaw-mrt-3-times-more-reliable-now|title=Khaw: MRT 3 times more reliable now|date=2017-07-28|work=The New Paper|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> He was subsequently criticised online by commuters who had experienced persistent breakdowns in the same period. Khaw had derived his statistics based on preliminary data excluding all delays caused by re-signalling works.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/khaw-boon-wan-sets-new-rail-network-reliability-target-as-mrt-becomes-three|title=Khaw Boon Wan sets new rail network reliability target as MRT becomes three times as dependable as in 2015|last=hermesauto|date=2017-07-27|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theindependent.sg/mrt-reliability-tripled-since-i-took-over-transport-ministers-ownself-praise-ownself-comments-roasted-by-irate-commuters/|title='MRT Reliability tripled since I took over' – Transport Minister's "ownself praise ownself" comments roasted by irate commuters|last=Voltaire|work=The Independent|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> Other online sources suggest that Khaw may have used a positive-sounding ''Mean Kilometre Between Failures'' metric to back up his claims, instead of the industry-standard ''[[Mean Time Between Failures]]'' metric.<ref>{{cite web|title=Numbers, numbers, numbers…|url=https://medium.com/from-the-red-line/numbers-numbers-numbers-f249e95d6fd0|website=From the Red Line|accessdate=20 August 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820133654/https://medium.com/from-the-red-line/numbers-numbers-numbers-f249e95d6fd0|archivedate=20 August 2017|date=27 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Khaw further berated the [[Media of Singapore|Singapore press]] for reporting extensively on the MRT breakdowns, criticizing them for "turning tabloid", "publishing frightening figures",<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sqfeed.com/2017/07/27/transport-minister-khaw-boon-wan-on-thurs-hit-out-at-the-mainstream-medias-coverage-of-recent-mrt-train-delays-linked-to-the-trial-of-the-new-signalling-system-on-the-north-south-line-nsl/|title=Khaw slams media coverage of train delays as 'unfair'|date=2017-07-27|work=Sqfeed Journal|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> and magnifying the problem to which he has no solution. He added that if solving the problem was as simple as "holding a pen and writing a few articles", members of the media should run the transport system instead and Singapore does not need any engineers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/khaw-boon-wan-takes-issue-with-press-coverage-of-mrt-resignalling-project|title=Khaw Boon Wan takes issue with press coverage of MRT resignalling project|last=hermesauto|date=2017-07-27|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> ===Opening of Downtown Line Stage 3=== On 26 September, leaders from Singapore's Inter-Religious Organisation were invited by Khaw to bless Downtown Line (DTL) 3 amidst mounting frustrations against frequent train disruptions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theindependent.sg/various-religious-leaders-bless-downtown-line-3-as-frustrations-against-smrt-mount/|title=Various religious leaders bless Downtown Line 3 as frustrations against SMRT mount|last=Philemon|first=Jewel|work=The Independent|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> Despite this, DTL 3 suffered its first disruption lasting 40 minutes during a pre-opening launch on 15 October 2017, where commuters were invited for free rides.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theindependent.sg/breaking-downtown-line-3-suffers-track-fault-on-first-day-of-soft-launch/|title=BREAKING: Downtown Line 3 suffers track fault on first day of soft launch|last=Philemon|first=Jewel|work=The Independent|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> Responding to media queries the following day on the disruption, Khaw remarked, "Sometimes things will happen … For it to happen when we are doing an open house, that is bad luck".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bad-luck-that-dtl-disruption-happened-during-open-house-says-9316350|title='Bad luck' that DTL disruption happened during open house, says Transport Minister Khaw|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> ===Bukit Panjang LRT Line=== In response to various problems with the [[Light Rail Transit (Singapore)|Light Rail Transit]] (LRT) system, Khaw acknowledged that the [[Bukit Panjang LRT Line]] was not well-planned and built "in such a masochistic manner"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/todayonline/posts/10155161943997572|title=TODAY|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-26}}</ref> as it was "an afterthought due to political pressure".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/behind-the-political-pressure-that-led-to-the-afterthought-of-9216930|title=Behind the 'political pressure' that led to the 'afterthought' of Bukit Panjang LRT|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-26|language=en-US}}</ref> He added that taking the LRT was an "uncomfortable" ride and he felt "dizzy" on the train, which he said was akin to taking a roller-coaster in Singapore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/bukit-panjang-lrt-afterthought-built-under-political-pressure-khaw|title=Bukit Panjang LRT an 'afterthought built under political pressure': Khaw|website=www.todayonline.com|access-date=2017-11-26}}</ref> The LRT system has been slated for an overhaul under Khaw's tenure.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/bukit-panjang-lrt-built-as-an-after-thought-and-because-of-political-pressure|title=Bukit Panjang LRT built as an 'after-thought' and because of political pressure: Khaw Boon Wan|last=hermesauto|date=2017-09-12|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-26|language=en}}</ref> ===Tunnel flooding=== On the evening of 7 October 2017, the tunnels along the North South MRT line (NSL) were flooded as a result of a malfunctioned pump. The flood caused train services on the NSL to be disrupted for 20 hours.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smrt-replaces-senior-staff-days-after-20-hour-nsl-disruption-internal-memo|title=SMRT replaces senior staff days after 20-hour NSL disruption: Internal memo|website=www.todayonline.com|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> Khaw addressed the media 9 days later, holding the SMRT maintenance team responsible for failing Singaporeans. He revealed that the rainwater [[sump pit]] at the Bishan station can hold up to 5000 cubic metres of rain, at least seven times more than the amount of rain that had fallen in the [[catchment]] on that day, implying that the pit had not been maintained for quite some time. He added that a joint decision by LTA and SMRT had been made to replace the pump just a week prior to the flood, blaming bad fortune, he said, "but I supposed that is life".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/khaw-boon-wan-on-nsl-flooding-smrt-maintenance-team-failed-us-9315666|title=Khaw Boon Wan on NSL flooding: SMRT maintenance team 'failed us'|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> On 19 October 2017, the [[Singapore Democratic Party]] issued a strongly worded statement calling for Khaw to step down as Minister of Transport. In the letter, the party charged that Khaw has failed to stop the recurring breakdowns and other serious lapses all these years, signalling his incompetence and lack of leadership. It said, rather than shifting the blame to everyone else, as the Minister for Transport, he must take responsibility for the ongoing fiasco and resign.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2017/10/19/sdp-calls-for-khaw-boon-wan-to-step-down-so-as-to-accept-full-responsibility-for-failings-of-transport-lapses/|title=SDP calls for Khaw Boon Wan to step down so as to accept full responsibility for failings of transport lapses|date=2017-10-19|work=The Online Citizen|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-GB}}</ref> Responding to mounting public pressure and the intense media scrutiny on the constant train breakdowns and tunnel flooding, Khaw delivered a 47-minute Ministerial Statement in Parliament on 7 November 2017. The parliamentary sitting was attended by SMRT's senior management, which included CEO [[Desmond Kuek]] and Chairman Seah Moon Ming. In his speech, Khaw offered no apology, but expressed sadness and embarrassment on the continuous bad publicity received. He revealed that anti-flooding pumps at [[Lavender MRT station|Lavender]] and [[Kembangan MRT station|Kembangan]] stations were also found to be in non-serviceable condition, and maintenance records might have been falsified since 2016. Khaw also disagreed with opposition chief [[Low Thia Khiang]]'s charge that SMRT's main aim is to "make money for the government" at the expense of commuters, saying that "there are many other simpler ways to make money".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/khaw-boon-wan-on-mrt-tunnel-flooding-saga-it-begins-from-the-top-9382528|title=Khaw Boon Wan on MRT tunnel flooding saga: 'It begins from the top'|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> Khaw also stated in Parliament that the tunnel's pumps are not critical components and insisted that there is no shortcomings or lapses in regulatory oversight by LTA or MOT staff. As such, a public inquiry into the matter in the form of a Committee of Inquiry need not be convened.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2017/11/07/khaw-boon-wan-no-evidence-of-shortcomings-or-lapses-in-regulatory-oversight-by-mot-and-lta/|title=Khaw Boon Wan: No evidence of shortcomings or lapses in regulatory oversight by MOT and LTA|date=2017-11-07|work=The Online Citizen|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-GB}}</ref> A poll conducted by market research company Blackbox, however, showed that 69% of Singaporeans felt a public inquiry into the incident should have been held.<ref name="todayonline.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/majority-think-mrt-not-well-run-and-are-not-confident-things-will-improve-soon-survey|title=Majority think MRT is not well run, and are not confident things will improve soon: Survey|website=www.todayonline.com|access-date=2017-11-26}}</ref> In the same poll, more than half of Singaporeans felt SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek should resign.<ref name="todayonline.com"/> Defending Kuek's performance in Parliament, Khaw said, "he wasn’t parachuted in or being asked to go and fix this, he volunteered for this job. As the former Chief of Defence Force, I know his heart is in the right place".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.todayonline.com/singapore/smrt-group-ceo-desmond-kuek-volunteered-job-has-heart-right-place-khaw-boon-wan|title=SMRT Group CEO Desmond Kuek volunteered for job, has 'heart in the right place': Khaw|website=m.todayonline.com|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> However, members of the public questioned Khaw's choice of the word "volunteer" given that Kuek is paid $1.87 million per annum, and whether there is a proper selection process at SMRT given that Kuek, a former [[Singapore Armed Forces]] Lieutenant-General and civil servant, had no experience running a company in engineering or rail operations before joining SMRT.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theindependent.sg/netizens-flame-khaw-for-saying-smrt-ceo-volunteered-for-the-job-has-heart-in-the-right-place/|title=Netizens flame Khaw for saying million-dollar earning SMRT CEO volunteered for the job, "has heart in the right place."|last=Philemon|first=Jewel|work=The Independent|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/voices/volunteer-or-not-experience-and-results-count-managing-smrt|title='Volunteer' or not, experience and results count in managing SMRT|website=www.todayonline.com|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> Khaw further suggested that the responsibility of SMRT's failures, including that of poor work culture, vests in the CEO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/khaw-boon-wan-mrt-flooding-poor-work-culture-ceo-responsible-072528415.html|title=Khaw Boon Wan on MRT flooding: 'If there is poor work culture, the CEO is responsible'|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-SG}}</ref> He also believed that they could have avoided the fiasco if [[Temasek Holdings]] had appointed Seah Moon Ming to replace Koh Yong Guan as the SMRT chairman earlier, at his recommendation.<ref>{{cite web|title=7 October 2017 SMRT Flooding Incident and Related Issues|url=https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/topic.jsp?currentTopicID=00012389-WA&currentPubID=00012379-WA&topicKey=00012379-WA.00012389-WA_1%2Bid-e59794a7-f6d9-469f-82cc-8e89b94182ae%2B|website=Singapore Parliament Reports|quote=I gave him [Lim Boon Heng] names, including Mr Seah Moon Ming... is now the new Chairman. My only disappointment is it took so long before we got this done. If this change in leadership had been executed earlier, maybe we could have avoided this.}}{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Khaw claimed that he had slept for less than 20 hours in total over the past month, which has cost him his personal health and family life.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exchange between NCMP Dennis Tan & Minister Khaw on tunnel flooding incident|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j06nzeORxB0&t=2m30s|quote=For some of us, we hardly sleep. Soon after 7 October, I know Mr Seah Moon Ming and I, between the two of us we probably cumulatively only chalked up 20 hours of sleep... it has caused us individually, maybe personal health and maybe family life.}}</ref> Speaking at the inaugural Public Transport Workers Appreciation Day on 14 November 2017, Khaw further criticised SMRT's maintenance team responsible for the tunnel flooding, saying that they had "tarnished the reputation of Singapore and Singaporeans",<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/khaw-boon-wan-errant-smrt-staff-have-tarnished-reputation-singapore|title=Khaw Boon Wan: Errant SMRT staff 'have tarnished the reputation of Singapore'|date=2017-11-15|work=The New Paper|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> and "brought disrepute" to other transport workers.<ref>http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/lapses-by-smrt-maintenance-staff-brought-disrepute-to-transport-workers-says</ref> The saga led to the sacking of 8 SMRT employees and legal action is expected to commence.<ref>http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smrt-dismisses-8-employees-involved-oct-7-tunnel-flooding-incident</ref> Khaw added that longer engineering hours were required and therefore train operating hours would have to be shortened.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/longer-engineering-hours-needed-to-ensure-quick-upgrading-of-rail-assets-khaw|title=Longer engineering hours needed to ensure quick upgrading of rail assets: Khaw Boon Wan|last=hermesauto|date=2017-11-13|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> Soon after, it was announced on 21 November 2017 that train services at 17 stations along the EWL would have to be suspended for two Sundays in December 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ChannelNewsAsia/videos/10155144633002934/|title=Channel NewsAsia|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-26}}</ref> ===Train collision and delays=== {{main|Joo Koon rail accident}} An MRT train collided with another at [[Joo Koon MRT station|Joo Koon station]] at approximately 0818 hours (SST) on 15 November 2017. It was initially reported that the accident caused 28 people to sustain injuries and they were taken to [[Ng Teng Fong General Hospital]] and the [[National University Hospital]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/mrt-smrt-train-collision-joo-koon-station-ewl-25-9407266|title=MRT train collides with stationary train at Joo Koon station; 29 people hurt|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> Of the 28 injured, 2 were SMRT staff (including the driver) and 3 had to remain warded in hospital for observation. The collision caused massive delays on the [[East West MRT Line]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/train-services-between-joo-koon-and-tuas-link-be-suspended-least-day-nov-16|title=Train services between Joo Koon and Tuas Link to be suspended for at least a day on Nov 16|website=www.todayonline.com|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> More commuters sought treatment thereafter, which saw the number of injured rising to 38.<ref>http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/joo-koon-train-collision-total-number-of-injured-rises-to-38-9420752</ref> Speaking to the media hours after the accident occurred, Khaw said he was "deeply sorry" and it was "an awful day".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/khaw-boon-wan-apologises-to-commuters-affected-by-train-9409630|title=Khaw Boon Wan apologises to commuters affected by Joo Koon train collision|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> It was revealed at a press conference that the collision occurred due to an "inadvertent removal" of a signalling software protection feature. Train services between Joo Koon and [[Tuas Link MRT station|Tuas Link station]] had to be suspended for four days to allow signaling contractor [[Thales Group|Thales]] to conduct further assurance checks.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/joo-koon-collision-tuas-west-extension-train-services-suspended-9413430?view=DEFAULT|title=Joo Koon collision: Tuas West Extension train services suspended until Sunday for further checks|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/smrt-train-collision-due-to-inadvertent-removal-of-software-9408766|title=SMRT train collision at Joo Koon due to 'inadvertent' removal of software protection feature|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> The last train collision occurred over 2 decades ago in 1993 which resulted in 156 injured.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/mrt-train-collides-with-stationary-train-at-joo-koon-station-28-9407266|title=MRT train collides with stationary train at Joo Koon station; 29 people hurt|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/transport/smrt-collision-is-second-incident-in-mrts-30-year-history|title=SMRT collision is second incident in MRT's 30 year history|work=The Business Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> On the same morning, commuters experienced long delays on [[Circle MRT Line]] due to a door fault, which caused station platforms to be overcrowded and commuters venting their frustration on [[Twitter]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/signal-fault-delays-trains-on-circle-line-on-wednesday-morning|title=Separate faults delay trains on Circle Line, East-West Line on Wednesday morning|last=hermesauto|date=2017-11-15|work=The Straits Times|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref> The fault took more than two hours to resolve.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/mrt-circle-line-ccl-east-west-line-ewl-smrt-train-delays-faults-9406886|title=Circle Line, East-West Line hit by separate faults on Wednesday morning|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> In the evening of the same day, train services on the [[North South MRT Line]] were delayed as well. SMRT's announcement stated that the delays were “due to fewer trains” and commuters need to add 40 minutes of train travel time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/smrt-announces-40-minute-delay-commuters-nsl-105309568.html|title=SMRT tells commuters to add 40 minutes travel time for NSL on Thursday|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-SG}}</ref> The delay is expected to extend till the following morning.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/north-south-line-delays-to-continue-on-thursday-9409106?view=DEFAULT|title=Train service between Joo Koon and Tuas Link stations suspended|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en-US}}</ref> In support of Khaw following the train collision, Law Minister [[K Shanmugam]] wrote on [[Facebook]] on 16 November 2017 that he was "confident" Khaw had the ability to "sort things out".<ref>{{cite news|title=Transport Minister Khaw 'will sort things out': K Shanmugam|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/transport-minister-khaw-will-sort-things-k-shanmugam-010836966.html|language=en-SG}}</ref> Prime Minister Lee acknowledged that the constant MRT breakdowns "have hurt public confidence",<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/mrt-incidents-have-hurt-public-confidence-pm-lee|title=MRT incidents have hurt public confidence: PM Lee|website=www.todayonline.com|access-date=2017-11-19}}</ref> but spoke in support of Khaw at the PAP convention on 19 November 2017. Lee added that Khaw had "our full support and confidence"<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theindependent.sg/khaw-boon-wan-has-our-full-support-and-confidence-pm-lee-says-at-pap-convention-2017/|title=Khaw Boon Wan has "our full support and confidence" – PM Lee says at PAP Convention 2017|last=Philemon|first=Jewel|work=The Independent|access-date=2017-11-19|language=en-US}}</ref> and claimed that Singapore's public transport system remained first-class.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ChannelNewsAsia/videos/10155139694717934/|title=Channel NewsAsia|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/people-frustrated-by-incidents-on-public-transport-system-pm-lee-9419874?cid=FBcna|title=People frustrated by incidents on public transport system: PM Lee|work=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=2017-11-19|language=en-US}}</ref> According to a statement from SMRT and LTA, the protective "bubble" around the first train was "unexpectedly disabled" when it passed a trackside device, which was not compatible with the new signalling system. The second train failed to keep safe distances from the first train as it moved forward automatically. Speaking to reporters at a press conference on 21 November, Khaw said that Thales, the provider of the new signalling system, "could have done better" to avoid the Joo Koon collision.<ref>{{cite news|title=Joo Koon train collision: Signalling system provider Thales 'could have done better', says Khaw Boon Wan|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/joo-koon-train-collision-signalling-system-provider-thales-could-9425970|work=Channel NewsAsia}}</ref> Khaw asserts that if one disregards the collision and the flooding incident, SMRT was "actually making good progress" with regards to train operation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ChannelNewsAsia/videos/10155144607742934/|title=Channel NewsAsia|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Joo Koon train collision: Khaw chides signalling system provider Thales|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/joo-koon-train-collision-khaw-chides-signalling-system-provider-which-could-have-done|work=www.todayonline.com}}</ref> A poll of 1000 Singaporeans conducted by market research company Blackbox from 10 to 16 November 2017 revealed that 65% of the public felt the public transportation system was "not well run".<ref name="todayonline.com"/> 60% of respondents were "not confident" that the current situation will improve soon, and 57% felt that they had not been "kept informed and told the truth" about these lapses.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.channel8news.sg/news8/singapore/20171122-sg-mrt-poll/3891208.html|title=调查：国人对地铁信心受打击 逾六成认为"地铁无法良好运行" - 8频道新闻及时事节目|work=Channel 8 News|access-date=2017-11-26}}</ref> ==Other appointment== Khaw was a [[Member of Parliament]] since 2001 where his first represented [[Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency]] (Tanjong Pagar GRC) from 2001, before transferring to [[Sembawang Group Representation Constituency|Sembawang GRC]] to succeed outgoing minister and MP [[Tony Tan Keng Yam|Tony Tan]] in 2006, who later served as Singapore's 7th President from 2011 to 2017. In 2011, Khaw took over outgoing minister [[Lim Boon Heng]] as the party's chairman,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pap.org.sg/pap-announces-34th-cec|title=PAP announces 34th CEC|work=People's Action Party|access-date=2017-11-18}}</ref> and in 2018 his role was taken over by Health Minister [[Gan Kim Yong]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pap.org.sg/pap-new-cec|title=PAP's new CEC|date=23 November 2018|website=PAP.org.sg}}</ref> In 2015, Khaw was appointed as the Co-ordinating Minister for Infrastructure by the prime minister, before retiring from the role together with politics in 2020. In 2020, Khaw retired from parliament as the MP for Sembawang GRC after serving for 14 years. ==Education== Khaw attended and graduated from [[Chung Ling High School]]. In 1973, he was awarded the [[Colombo Plan]] scholarship from Singaporean [[Ministry of Education (Singapore)|Ministry of Education]] to study a [[Double degree|combined degree]] program in [[engineering]] and [[commerce]] at the [[University of Newcastle (Australia)|University of Newcastle]] in [[Australia]]. He graduated in 1977 with a [[Bachelor of Engineering]] (Honours Class I) and [[Bachelor of Commerce]].<ref name="Newcastle" /> He received his Master of Science degree in [[industrial engineering]] in 1982 from the [[National University of Singapore]] and received his [[Doctor of Engineering]] ''honoris causa'' from the University of Newcastle in 2002.<ref name="Newcastle" /> ==Personal life== Khaw is of [[Malaysian Chinese]] descent. He is a Buddhist and a self-professed "religious man".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Sham Going On In Parliament |url=http://singaporedesk.blogspot.sg/2015/02/the-sham-going-on-in-parliament.html}}</ref> In 2010, Khaw underwent a heart bypass operation<ref>{{cite web|title=Minister's bill for bypass surgery: $8 |url=http://www.healthxchange.com.sg/News/Pages/Minister-bill-for-bypass-surgery-$8.aspx}}</ref> and after his recovery, it was reported that he had switched to a [[vegan]] diet, avoiding all meat, fish and dairy products.<ref>{{cite web|title=Did the health minister just go veg? |url=http://living-vegan.blogspot.sg/2010/06/did-health-minister-just-go-veg.html}}</ref> In March 2019, Khaw underwent an arm operation for a fracture<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Huiwen |title=Khaw Boon Wan undergoes 3-hour surgery on fractured left arm |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/khaw-boon-wan-undergoes-3-hour-surgery-on-fractured-left-arm |website=The Straits Times |accessdate=14 March 2020 |date=1 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Choo |first1=Yun Ting |title='I am going #home!': Khaw Boon Wan discharged one week after arm surgery |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport-minister-khaw-boon-wan-discharged-a-week-after-surgery-on-fractured-arm |website=The Straits Times |accessdate=14 March 2020 |date=8 March 2019}}</ref> that took place a month earlier. During this period, Dr [[Vivian Balakrishnan]] took over the role as Acting Transport Minister.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Huiwen |last2=Lim |first2=Adrian |title=Khaw Boon Wan breaks arm in fall; Vivian Balakrishnan to act as Transport Minister |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/khaw-boon-wan-breaks-arm-in-fall-vivian-balakrishnan-to-act-as-transport-minister |website=The Straits Times |accessdate=14 March 2020 |date=25 February 2019}}</ref> Khaw is also known to the public for his strikingly similar looks to Singaporean actor [[Henry Thia]], a fact Thia often acknowledges by jokingly referring to Khaw as his twin. ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.cabinet.gov.sg/content/cabinet/appointments/mr_khaw_boon_wan.html Profile of Khaw Boon Wan] at cabinet.gov.sg *[https://web.archive.org/web/20110418082523/http://www.parliament.gov.sg/mp/khaw-boon-wan Profile of Khaw Boon Wan] at parliament.gov.sg {{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{S-bef | before = [[Lim Hng Kiang]] }} {{s-ttl | title = [[Ministry of Health (Singapore)|Minister for Health]] | years = 2004 – 2011 }} {{s-aft | after = [[Gan Kim Yong]] }} {{s-bef | before = [[Mah Bow Tan]] }} {{s-ttl | title = [[Ministry of National Development (Singapore)|Minister for National Development]] | years = 2011 – 2015 }} {{s-aft | after = [[Lawrence Wong]] }} {{s-new | office}} {{s-ttl | title = [[Co-ordinating Minister for Infrastructure]] | years = 2015 – 2020 }} {{s-inc}} {{s-bef | before = [[Lui Tuck Yew]] }} {{s-ttl | title = [[Ministry of Transport (Singapore)|Minister for Transport]] | years = 2015 – 2020 }} {{s-inc}} {{s-par|sg}} {{S-bef | before = R. Sinnakaruppan |as=MP, [[Kreta Ayer-Tanglin GRC]] (Moulmein) }} {{s-ttl | title = Member of Parliament for <br /> [[Tanjong Pagar GRC]] (Moulmein) | years = 2001 – 2006 }} {{s-aft | after = [[Lui Tuck Yew]]}} {{S-bef | before = [[Tony Tan]]}} {{s-ttl | title = Member of Parliament for <br /> [[Sembawang GRC]] (Sembawang) | years = 2006 – 2020 }} {{s-inc}} {{s-ppo}} {{s-bef | before = [[Lim Boon Heng]] }} {{s-ttl | title = [[Party Chair|Chairman]] of the [[People's Action Party]] | years = 2011 – 2018}} {{s-aft | after = [[Gan Kim Yong]]}} {{s-end}} {{Cabinet of Singapore}} {{Current Singapore MPs}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Khaw, Boon Wan}} [[Category:Members of the Cabinet of Singapore]] [[Category:Members of the Parliament of Singapore]] [[Category:People's Action Party politicians]] [[Category:Malaysian emigrants to Singapore]] [[Category:People who lost Malaysian citizenship]] [[Category:Naturalised citizens of Singapore]] [[Category:Colombo Plan Scholars]] [[Category:Singaporean Buddhists]] [[Category:1952 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:National University of Singapore alumni]] [[Category:People from Penang]] [[Category:Singaporean people of Hokkien descent]] [[Category:University of Newcastle (Australia) alumni]] [[Category:Government ministers of Singapore]]'