Halimah Yacob ‘could redefine Speaker’s role’

The impending appointment of Minister of State, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Halimah Yacob as Speaker of Parliament will not only be a historic one - given that she is the first woman politician here to assume the office - there is every chance that she might also redefine the role, which has traditionally been less high-profile compared to other political offices. SMU Assistant Professor of Law Eugene Tan said: “I don’t see (Mdm Halimah) being passive or being cloistered in Parliament. I think she will be involved in public events. Through her speeches and all, I do see avenues for her to play that quiet advocacy role.”