New ruling party posts seen as major hint on next PM

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s ruling party is set to unveil new posts within its top decisionmaking body today in what could give a strong hint about who will become only its fourth prime minister, with domestic media saying the finance minister is the frontrunner.

The Straits Times newspaper, often seen as close to the government, reported yesterday that the People’s Action Party (PAP) is due to announce positions within its central executive committee today, including the crucial post of first assistant secretary-general.

It cited unidentified sources in its report. The first assistant role is immediately under the secretary-general, currently held by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Mr Lee has pledged to step down in coming years, with an election expected as soon as next year.

The potential leadership transition comes as rising global protectionism threatens the city state’s open economy, while at home the government tries to address growing unease over wealth disparity and social mobility.

Contenders for the role of first assistant secretary-general have narrowed to Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, 57, and Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, 49, the Straits Times reported.

The online news site Today, which is affiliated with Singapore’s main broadcaster Channel News Asia, said Mr Heng would likely be named as first assistant secretarygeneral. It also cited unidentified party sources.

The Chinese language Lianhe Zaobao newspaper, a sister publication of the Straits Times, also reported Mr Heng was likely to be named to the post.

Mr Heng was one of three ministers tipped earlier this year to succeed Mr Lee.

He is the most experienced of the leading candidates but concerns about his health after he suffered a stroke and collapsed during a cabinet meeting in 2016 had raised questions about his suitability.

The PAP has dominated politics over the five decades since Singapore’s independence, winning all elections with significant majorities, and faces no real challenge to its power.

“Singaporeans will get a good indication of who is most likely to succeed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as People’s Action Party leader and the country’s fourth prime minister tomorrow,” the Straits Times said.

Mr Lee, the son of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding father, suggested earlier this month a general election might be called next year, more than a year before his government’s mandate ends.