Explainer | With Heng Swee Keat out of the running, who will be Singapore’s next prime minister?
- Political observers say the upcoming cabinet reshuffle will offer clues, and they are preparing to read the tea leaves
- Chan Chun Sing, Lawrence Wong, Ong Ye Kung and Desmond Lee are seen as the front runners
Besides, it was only in July, following Heng’s surprisingly narrow electoral victory, that his contemporaries in the next-generation cabal of ministers – known as the 4G leadership – reassured the country that Heng was still PM-designate. Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan at the time said the 4G was in “full unity” behind Heng.
With the coronavirus pandemic delaying the leadership transition, Heng reasoned that he would be in his mid-60s by the time he took over. He also cited the stroke he suffered in 2016 – two years before he was anointed as the future prime minister – and said that while he was in good health now, it was better for the nation “for someone who is younger to tackle the huge challenges ahead” and have a “long runway” as the next leader. Along with dropping out of the race, Heng is also giving up his other portfolio as finance minister, paving the way for a cabinet reshuffle in two weeks.
A statement issued by 32 members of the 4G leadership acknowledged that Heng stepping aside was a “setback for succession planning”.
Lee, 69, had earlier said he wanted to step down before he turned 70, but is instead staying on to steer Singapore through the pandemic. The big question now for the island nation is who will take over from Lee.
