‘Ok lah… mild-mannered… level-headed… suitable’ — Netizens comment on Lawrence Wong as 4G leader

On April 14 (Thursday) Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that Finance Minister Lawrence Wong has been chosen as the new leader of the 4G team, which elevates Mr Wong to PM-in-waiting, ending speculation concerning the People’s Action Party, as well as Singapore’s, leadership succession question.

In a Facebook statement, PM Lee wrote that former Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan had facilitated a “consultation process that found overwhelming support among the ministers for Lawrence”.

Calling the decision a “crucial” one, the Prime Minister added that it would “ensure the continuity and stability of leadership that are the hallmarks of our system.”

While reactions online have been, generally speaking, positive, they can hardly be called enthusiastic or full-throated.

Mr Wong is perceived to have performed relatively competently during the crisis that ensued due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as he is co-chair of the Multi-ministry Task Force that tackled the pandemic after all.

TISG took a look at what netizens are saying regarding the Finance Minister as PAP’s 4G leader:

“Ok lah. In safe hands,” one wrote.

Another called him “ mild-mannered” and “well-liked” by the public.

One commenter said that among the top contenders, Mr Wong has “the least haters.”

“Hooray for mild mannered, friendly Mr Lawrence,” another netizen commented sarcastically.

Another described him as “suitable.”

A number of netizens said he was the best choice among his peers, but did not seem to be too happy about it.

But by and large, netizens seemed satisfied with how he led the country during the pandemic.

/TISG

Lawrence Wong chosen as new 4G leader, netizens skeptical