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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
The recent Cabinet reshuffle announcement has placed some prominence on Lawrence Wong s new appointment as finance minister, especially with the histories of former finance minister Heng Swee Keat as a past front-runner and former finance minister Lee Hsien Loong who subsequently became the Prime Minister.
Many observers are saying that the field is still open for 4G leadership, with 4G ministers Chan Chun Sing, Ong Ye Kung and Wong still in the running for Singapore s top political job.
The Straits Times editor-at-large Han Fook Kwang said that while Wong s appointment may have propelled him into the position of front-runner, it would take at least one to two years for Wong s colleagues to have a fuller measure of Wong, especially after his first Budget.
Since founding father Lee Kuan Yew relinquished power some three decades ago, Singaporeâs politics have been so well choreographed and predictable that theyâre often joked about as dull. Analysts have said they expect Singapore to remain politically stable amid the transition.
âThe prime minister does not want to demonstrate disruptiveness in the political power structure,â said Bilveer Singh, associate professor at the National University of Singaporeâs department of political science. With the pandemic and economic challenges, âI donât think he wants to exacerbate the situation, so within limits this is more continuity than change.â
Though no clear successor to Lee was identified Friday, the finance minister selection could be a signal of who among the partyâs âfourth-generationâ leaders ultimately might be positioned for the top job. Heng was named finance chief in 2015 and added the deputy prime minister role to his portfol
PM Lee noted that he is making a more extensive reshuffle than is usual this early in the term of government, which began last July after the general election. - The Straits Times/ANN SINGAPORE, April 23 (The Straits Times/ANN): Education Minister Lawrence Wong will helm the Ministry of Finance, in the latest Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday (April 23).
The changes will take effect from May 15.
Replacing him at the Education Ministry will be Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, who in turn will relinquish his portfolio to Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.