SINGAPORE – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today announced that the republic’s ministers have chosen the current Finance Minister Lawrence Wong as the new leader of the fourth generation (4G) team.
This paves the way for Wong, 49, to be Singapore’s next prime minister.
Lee who is secretary-general of the People’s Action Party (PAP) in his official Facebook page said Wong received overwhelming support among the ministers in a consultation process facilitated by PAP chairman Khaw Boon Wan.
The prime minister said Khaw, had briefed the ministers this afternoon and they affirmed this as their collective decision.
“The choice was then presented to and endorsed by government MPs at a party caucus.
“This decision is a crucial one for Singapore. It will ensure the continuity and stability of leadership that are the hallmarks of our system,” wrote Lee.
Lee further added “the right to lead is not inherited”.
“It has to be earned afresh by each generation of leaders. Singapore will always need a strong team in charge, with a leader who can bring others together and draw out the best of each team member.
“I have every confidence that Lawrence and his team will continue to give their best for Singapore and Singaporeans,” he wrote at length.
Separately in his full statement, Lee said that: “With this decision, the prime minister will make adjustments to cabinet appointments. These will be announced in due course.”
Meanwhile, in his quick response, Wong said he will do his utmost to uphold this responsibility.
“I am humbled and grateful for the trust and confidence of my colleagues, who have chosen me to lead them. I am also deeply grateful for the support of my fellow MPs,” he wrote in his Facebook.
According to Wong, from the very beginning in 1959, Singapore’s model of political leadership has never been about one person, but the team.
“Each of us contributes, complements each other, and gives of our best to Singapore,” he wrote.
Wong noted that his colleagues in the 4G leadership have stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in the fight against Covid-19.
The experience of the past two years has cemented “our cohesiveness and strengthened our resolve to steward Singapore safely through this crisis and beyond,” said Wong.
“It is my privilege to be called upon to lead this team. I will do my utmost to uphold this responsibility. But as we have been reminded many times, the right to lead cannot be inherited.
“Together with the rest of the 4G team, I will continue to serve Singaporeans wholeheartedly, and strive to earn the trust and support of each and every one of our fellow citizens,” he wrote further. – Bernama, April 14, 2022
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