Japanese MP visits Singapore

Singapore July-September 2008

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Better known first woman Defense Minister ever appointed in Japan’s political history, Yuriko Koike, member of the House of Representatives, National Diet of Japan, was in Singapore from 30 May-1 June for an official visit to meet Singapore’s Ministers and to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue Asia Security Summit. 　A journalist-turned-politician, Ms Koike,55, earned her first Cabinet post as Environment Minister in 2003.She doubled as minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs in 2004 under former Premier Junichiro Koizumi. 　During her distinguished career, Ms Koike was elected to the House of Representatives seven times and served as former special advisor to the prime Minister on national security in 2006. 　While in Singapore, Ms Koike called on Minister Mentor Lee Yew, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana. She also had meetings with Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo and Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran. 　Speaking to a reporter from Channel NewsAsia, the former Defence Minister expressed the need for a paradigm shift in Japan’s consumer-oriented society so as to become more environmentally conscious. She also highlighted the controversy over bio-fuels made from edible sources-such as ethanol from corn- and called for more stringent regulation. 　Launched in 2002, the SIF Temasek Programme serves as a platform for the exchange of views and insights between the political leaders of Japan and Singapore. Ms Koike is the sixth Japanese politician to be invited by the foundation. ■Singapore July-September 2008

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