Singapore deputy prime minister steps away from future management position
Lauryn Ishak | Bloomberg | Getty Photos
Heng Swee Keat, who was anticipated to take over from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, can be finance minister and coordinating minister for financial insurance policies.
Heng will step down as finance minister on the subsequent Cupboard reshuffle, however stay in his different roles.
Lee beforehand stated he would keep on as prime minister till the Covid-19 disaster ends. Heng was anticipated to take over, however will now step apart because the chief of the so-called “4G crew” — or Singapore’s fourth technology management.
“After I additionally take into account the ages at which our first three Prime Ministers have taken on the job, I might have too quick a runway ought to I change into the subsequent Prime Minister then,” he stated. “We’d like a pacesetter who is not going to solely rebuild Singapore post-COVID-19, but additionally lead the subsequent part of our nation-building efforts.”
We’d like a pacesetter who is not going to solely rebuild Singapore post-COVID-19, but additionally lead the subsequent part of our nation-building efforts.
Heng Swee Keat
Singapore’s deputy prime minister
“After cautious deliberation and discussions with my household, I’ve determined to step apart as chief of the 4G (fourth technology) crew, so {that a} youthful chief who could have an extended runway can take over,” he stated within the letter. “It is going to be for the 4G crew to decide on this particular person, and I stand able to help the subsequent chief.”
Lee, 69, stated he understands and respects Heng’s determination, calling it “selfless.” He added that Heng will assist him to mentor youthful ministers as they select one other chief so as to guarantee a “clean and well timed management transition.”
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat waves throughout a marketing campaign walkabout forward of the overall election on July 8, 2020 in Singapore.
Suhaimi Abdullah | Getty Photos
Singapore’s “4G leaders” stated in a press release that they have been glad Heng will stay a member of their crew as he continues in his different portfolios.
“We recognize what a troublesome determination it should have been,” they stated. “We all know that he has made the choice with Singapore’s long-term pursuits at coronary heart.”
Nonetheless, they acknowledged that the “surprising flip of occasions is a setback” for his or her succession planning, and stated they have been grateful that the prime minister has agreed to remain on till a brand new successor is able to take over.
