Asia PacificEyes on next generation as Singapore succession is thrown into question
Aradhana AravindanChen Lin
4 minutes read
A ship docks at Keppel terminal in Singapore November 17, 2020. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
Singapore's typically staid politics has been unsettled by an announcement from the chosen successor for prime minister that he was taking himself out of the running, renewing questions over the city-state's leadership planning.
Stability has long been one of wealthy Singapore's greatest strengths, making it a haven for investors and businesses in a region where political upheaval is not uncommon.
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, whose promotion to deputy prime minister in 2019 put him first in line for the top job, said on Thursday he wanted to make way for someone younger because the COVID-19 pandemic meant he would be too old to take over by the time the crisis had settled. read more