Portrait of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s successor

Successor

In his first appearance before the press on the morning of April 16 after being selected as the fourth generation leader of the People’s Action Party (PAP) – paving the way for him to become the next prime minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Singapore – Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said that Singapore has many challenges ahead, but “we can overcome all of these challenges as a united and strong collective, with the goal of focusing solely to serve Singaporeans and Singaporeans”.

Earlier, on April 14, Minister Lawrence Wong was chosen to lead the fourth generation of leaders of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), also known as the 4G generation, paving the way for him to become prime minister. when Prime Minister and PAP Secretary General Lee Hsien Loong left office.

During the press conference, Mr. Wong said that as political leaders have worked together to combat COVID-19 over the past two years, they have become closer. CNA quoted Mr. Wong as saying: “I believe we have also strengthened our relationship with the people of Singapore through this generational crisis, and the relationship between Singaporeans has also been strengthened. try”.

“In some societies, the crisis drains social capital and undermines political trust. In Singapore, I think we handled the crisis in a way that adds social capital and strengthens political trust, and I’m grateful for that,” Wong said.

When asked about his thoughts and views on the current generation of 4G, Mr. Wong said he appreciates the diversity of PAP, in which some MPs come from the public service and some from the private sector.

“We have come to understand each other’s strengths better, develop trust and confidence in each other, and have a better understanding of how we can complement each other. As the leader of the PAP, I will do my best to ensure that the contribution of the whole party will be greater than the sum of the individual departments,” Wong said.

Mr Wong also said that the PAP intends to later “engage the public” and comprehensively review government policies “to see what needs to be adjusted and improved”. This will be a “main agenda” of the 4G generation, he said.

“I want every Singaporean to know and feel that they will always have a role to play in our society, even as we chart new paths together. As a leader, that will be the approach, attitude and spirit that I adopt,” said Mr. Wong.

The process of electing a new prime minister

Also in the press conference on the morning of April 16, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong answered questions about Singapore’s leadership transition agenda. Former PAP Chairman Khaw Boon Wan, who was present at the press conference with Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, said that 15 out of 19 “stakeholders” chose Minister Wong to lead the PAP.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he would consult to decide the best for the next general election. “Either I will run for the next election as head of the PAP, and if we win, then Mr. Wong will take over. Or I will empower Mr. Wong first to have him participate in the general election. elected as head of the PAP,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, stressing that the process would depend on “how things develop” and would be decided later. The next general election in Singapore is held in 2025.

“Either way, our plan is for Mr. Wong to become the next prime minister, if the PAP wins the general election,” Mr. Lee Hsien Loong emphasized.

“No illusions about the requirements of the job”

Speaking at the press conference, Minister Wong said he was under no illusions about the requirements of the job. The job will become more challenging with greater political competition and a growing desire for diversity in Congress.

Mr. Wong said he will continue the principles that have guided him throughout the years, which are “give your best, participate and listen, learn and improve continuously”.

“In all my life, I have never yearned for position or authority. I am always realistic about my abilities and strengths. My life philosophy, instilled by my parents from a young age – that whatever task I am given, I will do my best. If my best is diminished – which is bound to happen over time – I will try to learn and try to improve and do better,” Wong said.

Mr. Wong affirmed that his duties and responsibilities have increased continuously during his 25 years of public service. The most recent and most prominent of these is Mr. Wong’s leadership of Singapore’s pandemic response effort as co-chair of the multi-ministerial task force to combat the pandemic. COVID-19.

Mr. Wong was first elected as a member of parliament in May 2011. He has held positions in the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Communications and Information, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Education.