According to local media reports, the People’s Action Party (PAP) is said to likely name Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat as the next Prime Minister (PM) and successor of PM Lee Hsien Loong.
The 57-year old Mr Heng has been touted by insiders and observers to be made first assistant secretary general – a position traditionally held by a deputy prime minister – and to eventually succeed Mr Lee as the country’s fourth prime minister.
According to the Chinese media Lianhe Zaobao, “there are indications” that Mr Heng will be the first assistant secretary general position, while Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing will likely be made the second assistant secretary general.
Since succeeding Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong in 2004, PM Lee has held office and is said to want to step down before he turns 70.
Both Mr Heng and Mr Chan are part of the PAP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) and have said to be in the forefront of the running for Prime Minister.
Mr Heng served as the managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) from 2005 to 2011. He also held the position as the principal private secretary to Lee Kuan Yew. In 2011, he was made Education Minister, and subsequently made Finance Minister in 2015.
https://theindependent.sg.sg/chan-chun-sing-peoples-favourite-or-partys-favourite/
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