The succession plan of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong appears to be advancing, however, political analysts are of the opinion that the handover may not occur within the next year. Experts posit that the completion of the Forward SG exercise and the necessity to address urgent matters such as housing and the cost of living before the transition are significant factors that could potentially delay the succession. It has also been suggested by several observers that the handover is likely to align with the next General Election, which is due by November 2025.
In his 19th National Day Rally speech, PM Lee underscored the importance of leadership renewal in preparing for Singapore’s future. While his original intention was to step down before his 70th birthday in February 2022, this plan was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. PM Lee referenced recent controversies and challenges, including the Covid-19 crisis, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau’s probe, and the resignations of government officials, and assured the public that his succession plans are now back on track.
Nevertheless, experts emphasize that the completion of the Forward SG exercise could be a pivotal factor in determining the timing of the handover. Both Associate Professor Eugene Tan and Dr. Felix Tan concur that the execution of the exercise and the necessity for a clear plan for the 4G leaders are crucial considerations. Given the precedent set by the past handover from Mr. Goh Chok Tong to Mr. Lee, it seems probable that the handover will occur shortly before or after the next General Election, allowing the current prime minister to lead the election before passing the reins of government to the next generation of leaders.
Former MP Charles Chong and Mr. Inderjit Singh also shared their insights, with Mr. Chong suggesting that the current prime minister’s experience and involvement in previous elections make him the ideal leader for the upcoming election. Mr. Singh believes that addressing current issues such as housing and cost of living should be a priority before handing over the role. Meanwhile, former Nominated MP Zulkifli Baharudin highlighted the complexity of not only handing over leadership, but also assembling a new team of leaders for the next generation.
In conclusion, while PM Lee’s political succession plan is advancing, experts do not anticipate the handover occurring within the next year. The timing of the handover hinges on various factors, including the completion of the Forward SG exercise and the urgency to address pressing issues such as housing and the cost of living. The likelihood of the handover occurring around the next General Election has been suggested, consistent with the past precedent of leadership transitions. As Singapore prepares for the future, the timing of the handover will undoubtedly be a critical aspect of the country’s political landscape in the years to come.
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