By Rachel Chang
THE next general election will have a new returning officer, the
top election official who announces the results on polling
night.
He is Mr Yam Ah Mee, 53, who succeeded Mr Tan Boon Huat on
Tuesday.
On the same day, Mr Yam also took over as chief executive
director of People's Association from Mr Tan on his retirement from
the civil service.
The new electoral appointment, the first change in 14 years, has
ignited talk of an impending general election.
But the Election Department told The Straits Times the timing of
Mr Yam's appointment has only to do with Mr Tan's retirement.
There must be a Returning Officer at any one time, a
spokesperson said on Wednesday, adding that Mr Yam will now oversee
the preparations for the next general election due by February
2012.
