SINGAPORE – Second-term MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim will join the front bench as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Social and Family Development on Jan 1, 2026, a month earlier than expected.
The planned date of Feb 1, 2026, was brought forward as he has discharged his professional obligations earlier than initially scheduled, said the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement on Dec 5.
Mr Zhulkarnain is a senior partner in law firm Dentons Rodyk.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, Mr Zhulkarnain said he had concluded his trials and arbitration matters and has also handed over his business interests in his legal firm and other professional obligations earlier than expected. His last day is Dec 31.
He added that he has also been attending onboarding and briefing sessions by the ministries in preparation for his appointments.
“As such, I am looking forward to joining the team and contribute ahead of the Budget and COS (Committee of Supply debates) 2026,” he said.
The debate on the overall Budget and subsequent debates on each ministry’s planned expenditure typically stretch from February to March.
