Cabinet reshuffle April 2019: Heng Swee Keat to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister; DPMs Teo Chee Hean and Tharman to become Senior Ministers
Finance Minister's standing as Singapore's next PM cemented in Cabinet reshuffle
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat will be promoted to Deputy Prime Minister from May 1, in a move that cements his standing as Singapore's next prime minister.
Meanwhile, both existing Deputy Prime Ministers will relinquish their appointments, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced yesterday.
As part of the ongoing process of leadership transition, Mr Teo Chee Hean, 64, and Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 62, will become Senior Ministers and remain in Cabinet.
All three will continue to carry out many of their current responsibilities. Mr Heng, 57, will stay on as Finance Minister and continue chairing the Future Economy Council and National Research Foundation. He will also be appointed Acting Prime Minister in Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's absence.
Mr Teo will continue to be Coordinating Minister for National Security, while Mr Tharman - who is now Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies - will be redesignated as Coordinating Minister for Social Policies. He will still advise the Prime Minister on economic policies, said the PMO.
Yesterday, sovereign wealth fund GIC also announced that Mr Tharman, who is now a GIC director, will be appointed deputy chairman from next Wednesday. He will assist PM Lee, who is GIC chairman, to lead the board in overseeing GIC's long-term asset allocation and portfolio performance, it said. Mr Tharman is also chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
PM Lee, 67, said the changes are part of the ongoing process of leadership renewal.
"The next-generation leadership is taking shape, and progressively taking over from me and my older colleagues. The team is working closely together, building up public trust and confidence in their leadership," he said in a Facebook post.
"I ask all Singaporeans to support them, and work together to secure a bright future for Singapore." In a separate post, Mr Heng said that he was honoured by PM Lee's trust, and grateful for the older ministers staying on "to share their wisdom". Mr Heng was set to be appointed Deputy PM in this year's Cabinet reshuffle, after he was picked by his peers to be their leader late last year, and appointed first assistant secretary-general of the ruling People's Action Party last November.
Yesterday's changes come a year after a major reshuffle last April, which saw younger ministers taking on heavier responsibilities as 10 out of 16 ministries were helmed by fourth-generation (4G) ministers.
At that time, four backbenchers became office-holders to bolster the front bench, as three veteran ministers retired from Cabinet: Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Mr Lim Swee Say and Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.
Yesterday, Mr Teo said of the reshuffle: "This is the Singapore way of ensuring smooth leadership transition, continuity and stability. Senior leaders make way in good time for the next generation, share their experience and help the next generation of leaders to succeed."
Mr Tharman said: "Swee Keat is the best person to move up to become DPM and take over as PM during the next term of government. He has exceptional ability, mettle and the confidence of the 4G team."
Both DPMs said they hoped to continue serving their residents after the next general election.
Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, who Mr Heng had picked last November as his deputy, said: "As one team, we will continue to work closely together to take Singapore forward and to serve all Singaporeans."
The Cabinet has traditionally had two deputy PMs since the 1980s, with the exception of a short period in the 1990s when PM Lee was the only DPM on board.
Observers said the latest move sends a clearer signal - at home and abroad - about the next PM.
"The way I read it, the focus of this reshuffle is on the DPM," said political analyst and former Nominated MP Zulkifli Baharudin. "He will definitely be the person who's going to take over from the PM... It's very clear who the man in charge is."
Finance Minister's standing as Singapore's next PM cemented in Cabinet reshuffle
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat will be promoted to Deputy Prime Minister from May 1, in a move that cements his standing as Singapore's next prime minister.
Meanwhile, both existing Deputy Prime Ministers will relinquish their appointments, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced yesterday.
As part of the ongoing process of leadership transition, Mr Teo Chee Hean, 64, and Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 62, will become Senior Ministers and remain in Cabinet.
All three will continue to carry out many of their current responsibilities. Mr Heng, 57, will stay on as Finance Minister and continue chairing the Future Economy Council and National Research Foundation. He will also be appointed Acting Prime Minister in Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's absence.
Mr Teo will continue to be Coordinating Minister for National Security, while Mr Tharman - who is now Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies - will be redesignated as Coordinating Minister for Social Policies. He will still advise the Prime Minister on economic policies, said the PMO.
Yesterday, sovereign wealth fund GIC also announced that Mr Tharman, who is now a GIC director, will be appointed deputy chairman from next Wednesday. He will assist PM Lee, who is GIC chairman, to lead the board in overseeing GIC's long-term asset allocation and portfolio performance, it said. Mr Tharman is also chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
PM Lee, 67, said the changes are part of the ongoing process of leadership renewal.
"The next-generation leadership is taking shape, and progressively taking over from me and my older colleagues. The team is working closely together, building up public trust and confidence in their leadership," he said in a Facebook post.
"I ask all Singaporeans to support them, and work together to secure a bright future for Singapore." In a separate post, Mr Heng said that he was honoured by PM Lee's trust, and grateful for the older ministers staying on "to share their wisdom". Mr Heng was set to be appointed Deputy PM in this year's Cabinet reshuffle, after he was picked by his peers to be their leader late last year, and appointed first assistant secretary-general of the ruling People's Action Party last November.
Yesterday's changes come a year after a major reshuffle last April, which saw younger ministers taking on heavier responsibilities as 10 out of 16 ministries were helmed by fourth-generation (4G) ministers.
At that time, four backbenchers became office-holders to bolster the front bench, as three veteran ministers retired from Cabinet: Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Mr Lim Swee Say and Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.
Yesterday, Mr Teo said of the reshuffle: "This is the Singapore way of ensuring smooth leadership transition, continuity and stability. Senior leaders make way in good time for the next generation, share their experience and help the next generation of leaders to succeed."
Mr Tharman said: "Swee Keat is the best person to move up to become DPM and take over as PM during the next term of government. He has exceptional ability, mettle and the confidence of the 4G team."
Both DPMs said they hoped to continue serving their residents after the next general election.
Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, who Mr Heng had picked last November as his deputy, said: "As one team, we will continue to work closely together to take Singapore forward and to serve all Singaporeans."
The Cabinet has traditionally had two deputy PMs since the 1980s, with the exception of a short period in the 1990s when PM Lee was the only DPM on board.
Observers said the latest move sends a clearer signal - at home and abroad - about the next PM.
"The way I read it, the focus of this reshuffle is on the DPM," said political analyst and former Nominated MP Zulkifli Baharudin. "He will definitely be the person who's going to take over from the PM... It's very clear who the man in charge is."
Cabinet reshuffle: Heng Swee Keat looks forward to strengthening partnerships
He vows to do his best to fulfil duties, together with colleagues
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat's packed schedule is set to get busier, once he becomes Deputy Prime Minister next Wednesday.
This month, he was in Chiang Rai, Thailand, for the Asean Finance Ministers' Meeting on April 4 and 5, and in Putrajaya for the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat on April 9. From April 10 to 20, he was in Washington for the Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting and the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and in the San Francisco Bay Area for two tech forums, among other events.
In between, he had community engagements lined up.
For Mr Heng, these meetings are about strengthening partnerships - which he indicated will remain a key focus in his new post.
Shortly after his promotion was announced yesterday, he reiterated the importance of such cooperation in a Facebook post.
Mr Heng said he was honoured by the trust Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong placed in him, and vowed to do his best, together with his colleagues, to fulfil their responsibility to Singapore and Singaporeans.
"We look forward to partnering with all Singaporeans for Singapore, and to strengthening our relations with our partners in Asean and around the world," he said.
Partnership - including engaging with views from the public - has been a key theme for him since he helmed a national conversation as education minister from 2011, before moving to the Finance Ministry in 2015. He will remain Finance Minister.
He vows to do his best to fulfil duties, together with colleagues
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
This month, he was in Chiang Rai, Thailand, for the Asean Finance Ministers' Meeting on April 4 and 5, and in Putrajaya for the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat on April 9. From April 10 to 20, he was in Washington for the Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting and the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and in the San Francisco Bay Area for two tech forums, among other events.
In between, he had community engagements lined up.
For Mr Heng, these meetings are about strengthening partnerships - which he indicated will remain a key focus in his new post.
Shortly after his promotion was announced yesterday, he reiterated the importance of such cooperation in a Facebook post.
Mr Heng said he was honoured by the trust Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong placed in him, and vowed to do his best, together with his colleagues, to fulfil their responsibility to Singapore and Singaporeans.
"We look forward to partnering with all Singaporeans for Singapore, and to strengthening our relations with our partners in Asean and around the world," he said.
Partnership - including engaging with views from the public - has been a key theme for him since he helmed a national conversation as education minister from 2011, before moving to the Finance Ministry in 2015. He will remain Finance Minister.
"We have a strong and united team in place - not only in the Cabinet but as a whole Singapore society," Mr Heng said on Facebook.
"In my time in public service, I have gained and learnt much from partners from all parts of industry and society. I am also constantly inspired and encouraged by my residents in Tampines and, of course, by Singaporeans here and abroad."
He added that he was glad both Deputy Prime Ministers Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam will stay on as Senior Ministers to share their wisdom.
Mr Heng had been tipped as the next deputy prime minister since he was picked by his peers as the first assistant secretary-general of the People's Action Party (PAP) last November. Both PM Lee and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong were deputy PMs before they held the top post.
Mr Heng won a Singapore Police Force scholarship in 1980 to study economics at England's Cambridge University. He was a police officer on his return, before moving to the Administrative Service in 1995.
Between 1997 and 2000, he was principal private secretary to then Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who called him "the best principal private secretary I ever had".
Mr Heng joined politics in 2011, contesting in Tampines GRC during an election which the PAP won with its lowest vote share since independence. Shortly after, he was made education minister, where he worked to downplay the focus on grades and emphasise intangibles like character building.
In 2015, he succeeded Mr Tharman as Finance Minister. In May 2016, Mr Heng suffered a stroke at a Cabinet meeting, but his doctors later gave him a clean bill of health. Last year, he told reporters he would not have assumed leadership of the PAP's fourth-generation team if he was not confident of his health.
Singapore Business Federation chief executive Ho Meng Kit said Singapore is well known abroad, and Mr Heng has to be more prominent as its next face. "Mr Heng, as the incoming PM, will need to make an impact internationally," he said. He noted Mr Heng has met many business leaders in China and the US.
Political analyst Mustafa Izzuddin said of Mr Heng: "He can show the style of leadership we can expect when he becomes prime minister, and he'll carve his own imprint in time to come," he said.
Additional reporting by Rachel Au-Yong
Latest Cabinet reshuffle sends a clear signal, and reflects the Singapore way
By Royston Sim, Deputy Political Editor, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
Yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle saw few changes, but it was a significant milestone in Singapore's leadership renewal.
There was only one promotion - Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat will become Deputy Prime Minister from May 1, while retaining his finance portfolio and other key appointments like chairing the National Research Foundation.
Current DPMs Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be appointed Senior Ministers, and stay in Cabinet.
Mr Heng had been set to become DPM in the latest reshuffle after he was picked as first assistant secretary-general of the ruling People's Action Party and leader of its fourth-generation team last November.
Appointing Mr Heng as the sole deputy to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is another step in that direction and a clear signal he will become the country's next leader.
Singapore used to have only one DPM till 1980, when Mr Goh Keng Swee was founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew's deputy.
Mr S. Rajaratnam was appointed second deputy prime minister in June that year, alongside Mr Goh.
Since then, there have been two DPMs in Cabinet apart from a two-year stretch from September 1993, when former DPM Ong Teng Cheong became president.
Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam returned to Cabinet in August 1995 and was appointed DPM alongside then DPM Lee Hsien Loong.
Reverting to one DPM removes any ambiguity about Mr Heng's leadership position in Cabinet.
The announcement that Mr Heng will also be Acting Prime Minister when the Prime Minister is away reinforces his standing as PM Lee's No. 2.
Mr Teo described the changes as "the Singapore way of ensuring smooth leadership transition", with senior leaders making way for the next generation and sharing their experience to help the younger leaders succeed.
As Mr Tharman said, the PAP's no-surprise style of renewing its leadership "may be unexciting and predictable, but it works for Singapore".
Mr Teo will continue as Coordinating Minister for National Security, while Mr Tharman will be redesignated Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, and has been appointed deputy chairman of Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC.
Retaining the two men in Cabinet shows that both still have key roles to play in supporting and guiding the 4G leaders as they take over from the third-generation team.
It also continues the tradition of having senior ministers to ensure continuity and allow the younger ministers to tap their experience.
There have been four senior ministers to date - former prime ministers Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong, and former deputy prime ministers S. Rajaratnam and S. Jayakumar.
Professor Jayakumar and Mr Goh retired from the Cabinet in 2011, with Mr Goh given the honorary title of Emeritus Senior Minister.
Both Mr Teo and Mr Tharman are poised to continue contributing for some time yet.
Mr Teo has signalled that he will contest the next general election, saying he hopes he will continue to have the support of Pasir Ris-Punggol residents to continue as their MP. Mr Tharman hinted likewise, saying he looks forward to serving his constituents in Jurong "in the years to come".
Yesterday's reshuffle comes about one year after the previous one, which saw extensive changes involving all ministries but one.
One possible reason there were no other changes to Cabinet is that various office-holders, like Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, have been in their ministries only for a relatively short duration. It would thus be too soon for them to take on new portfolios.
No changes were expected in the Foreign and Transport ministries, as Ministers Vivian Balakrishnan and Khaw Boon Wan are handling ongoing and delicate discussions with their Malaysian counterparts over maritime boundaries and airspace respectively.
There was speculation that some senior ministers of state may be promoted to full ministers. That none has moved up suggests that PM Lee wants to test them further in their current roles. Keeping the Cabinet changes to a minimum also keeps the focus squarely on Mr Heng's promotion to DPM.
With the latest Cabinet reshuffle probably the last one in the Government's current term, this should be the Cabinet line-up that will enter the next election, which must be held by April 2021.
Thereafter, Mr Heng could well start playing a role in picking the next Cabinet.
By Royston Sim, Deputy Political Editor, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
There was only one promotion - Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat will become Deputy Prime Minister from May 1, while retaining his finance portfolio and other key appointments like chairing the National Research Foundation.
Current DPMs Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be appointed Senior Ministers, and stay in Cabinet.
Mr Heng had been set to become DPM in the latest reshuffle after he was picked as first assistant secretary-general of the ruling People's Action Party and leader of its fourth-generation team last November.
Appointing Mr Heng as the sole deputy to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is another step in that direction and a clear signal he will become the country's next leader.
Singapore used to have only one DPM till 1980, when Mr Goh Keng Swee was founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew's deputy.
Mr S. Rajaratnam was appointed second deputy prime minister in June that year, alongside Mr Goh.
Since then, there have been two DPMs in Cabinet apart from a two-year stretch from September 1993, when former DPM Ong Teng Cheong became president.
Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam returned to Cabinet in August 1995 and was appointed DPM alongside then DPM Lee Hsien Loong.
Reverting to one DPM removes any ambiguity about Mr Heng's leadership position in Cabinet.
The announcement that Mr Heng will also be Acting Prime Minister when the Prime Minister is away reinforces his standing as PM Lee's No. 2.
Mr Teo described the changes as "the Singapore way of ensuring smooth leadership transition", with senior leaders making way for the next generation and sharing their experience to help the younger leaders succeed.
As Mr Tharman said, the PAP's no-surprise style of renewing its leadership "may be unexciting and predictable, but it works for Singapore".
Mr Teo will continue as Coordinating Minister for National Security, while Mr Tharman will be redesignated Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, and has been appointed deputy chairman of Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC.
Retaining the two men in Cabinet shows that both still have key roles to play in supporting and guiding the 4G leaders as they take over from the third-generation team.
It also continues the tradition of having senior ministers to ensure continuity and allow the younger ministers to tap their experience.
There have been four senior ministers to date - former prime ministers Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong, and former deputy prime ministers S. Rajaratnam and S. Jayakumar.
Professor Jayakumar and Mr Goh retired from the Cabinet in 2011, with Mr Goh given the honorary title of Emeritus Senior Minister.
Both Mr Teo and Mr Tharman are poised to continue contributing for some time yet.
Mr Teo has signalled that he will contest the next general election, saying he hopes he will continue to have the support of Pasir Ris-Punggol residents to continue as their MP. Mr Tharman hinted likewise, saying he looks forward to serving his constituents in Jurong "in the years to come".
Yesterday's reshuffle comes about one year after the previous one, which saw extensive changes involving all ministries but one.
One possible reason there were no other changes to Cabinet is that various office-holders, like Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, have been in their ministries only for a relatively short duration. It would thus be too soon for them to take on new portfolios.
No changes were expected in the Foreign and Transport ministries, as Ministers Vivian Balakrishnan and Khaw Boon Wan are handling ongoing and delicate discussions with their Malaysian counterparts over maritime boundaries and airspace respectively.
There was speculation that some senior ministers of state may be promoted to full ministers. That none has moved up suggests that PM Lee wants to test them further in their current roles. Keeping the Cabinet changes to a minimum also keeps the focus squarely on Mr Heng's promotion to DPM.
With the latest Cabinet reshuffle probably the last one in the Government's current term, this should be the Cabinet line-up that will enter the next election, which must be held by April 2021.
Thereafter, Mr Heng could well start playing a role in picking the next Cabinet.
Support in Cabinet for new leaders, says Teo Chee Hean
Senior leaders will help next generation of leaders to succeed, says outgoing DPM
By Adrian Lim, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
Relinquishing his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) while continuing in Cabinet to support the new generation of leaders is the "Singapore way of ensuring smooth leadership transition, continuity and stability", DPM Teo Chee Hean said yesterday.
"Senior leaders make way in good time for the next generation, share their experience and help the next generation of leaders to succeed," added Mr Teo, 64, in a statement on the upcoming Cabinet changes.
He also said Mr Heng Swee Keat's promotion to DPM is "another important step in our leadership renewal".
From May 1, Mr Heng will be DPM while remaining as Finance Minister. He will continue to chair the Future Economy Council and National Research Foundation.
DPM Teo and Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam will relinquish their appointments as DPMs and become Senior Ministers.
DPM Teo will continue as Coordinating Minister for National Security, an appointment he has held since May 2011. In his statement, DPM Teo said he will continue in Cabinet to support PM Lee Hsien Loong and DPM Heng in whatever way he can as well as work with Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing and other young leaders for the security, safety and success of Singapore.
He congratulated and wished Mr Heng the very best and thanked PM Lee and his colleagues for their support in the 10 years he said he had the privilege of serving as DPM. He was appointed DPM on April 1, 2009.
DPM Teo will continue to oversee the Prime Minister's Office Strategy Group, including the National Population and Talent Division and the National Climate Change Secretariat.
Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Teo Ser Luck , 50, who was part of the Singapore delegation led by DPM Teo to China in 2012 and 2014, recalls DPM Teo as a good mentor who made himself available to everyone, and shared his opinions and perspectives.
DPM Teo has built up a rapport with the Chinese leaders over the years, said Mr Teo Ser Luck. "He comes across as a respectable statesman in the way he delivers his message to them."
DPM Teo also has a good sense of humour and puts people at ease with his friendly demeanour, he added.
Mr Zainal Sapari, an MP in the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, said: "In my interactions with DPM Teo, he has shown to be very experienced and has institutional knowledge."
A former Chief of Navy, DPM Teo became an MP in 1992 after a by-election in Marine Parade GRC. He has been re-elected five times in the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.
He has also held a range of portfolios, including Home Affairs, Defence and Education, as well as being the Minister in charge of the Civil Service until 2018.
In his statement yesterday, DPM Teo said he will run in the next general election, saying he hopes to continue to have the support of the Pasir Ris-Punggol residents to continue as their MP.
He helms the six-MP GRC and Mr Zainal said: "Over the years, he has developed a warm rapport with the residents. They are very comfortable with him, despite him being DPM."
Senior leaders will help next generation of leaders to succeed, says outgoing DPM
By Adrian Lim, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
Relinquishing his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) while continuing in Cabinet to support the new generation of leaders is the "Singapore way of ensuring smooth leadership transition, continuity and stability", DPM Teo Chee Hean said yesterday.
"Senior leaders make way in good time for the next generation, share their experience and help the next generation of leaders to succeed," added Mr Teo, 64, in a statement on the upcoming Cabinet changes.
He also said Mr Heng Swee Keat's promotion to DPM is "another important step in our leadership renewal".
From May 1, Mr Heng will be DPM while remaining as Finance Minister. He will continue to chair the Future Economy Council and National Research Foundation.
DPM Teo and Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam will relinquish their appointments as DPMs and become Senior Ministers.
DPM Teo will continue as Coordinating Minister for National Security, an appointment he has held since May 2011. In his statement, DPM Teo said he will continue in Cabinet to support PM Lee Hsien Loong and DPM Heng in whatever way he can as well as work with Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing and other young leaders for the security, safety and success of Singapore.
He congratulated and wished Mr Heng the very best and thanked PM Lee and his colleagues for their support in the 10 years he said he had the privilege of serving as DPM. He was appointed DPM on April 1, 2009.
DPM Teo will continue to oversee the Prime Minister's Office Strategy Group, including the National Population and Talent Division and the National Climate Change Secretariat.
Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Teo Ser Luck , 50, who was part of the Singapore delegation led by DPM Teo to China in 2012 and 2014, recalls DPM Teo as a good mentor who made himself available to everyone, and shared his opinions and perspectives.
DPM Teo has built up a rapport with the Chinese leaders over the years, said Mr Teo Ser Luck. "He comes across as a respectable statesman in the way he delivers his message to them."
DPM Teo also has a good sense of humour and puts people at ease with his friendly demeanour, he added.
Mr Zainal Sapari, an MP in the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, said: "In my interactions with DPM Teo, he has shown to be very experienced and has institutional knowledge."
A former Chief of Navy, DPM Teo became an MP in 1992 after a by-election in Marine Parade GRC. He has been re-elected five times in the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.
He has also held a range of portfolios, including Home Affairs, Defence and Education, as well as being the Minister in charge of the Civil Service until 2018.
In his statement yesterday, DPM Teo said he will run in the next general election, saying he hopes to continue to have the support of the Pasir Ris-Punggol residents to continue as their MP.
He helms the six-MP GRC and Mr Zainal said: "Over the years, he has developed a warm rapport with the residents. They are very comfortable with him, despite him being DPM."
Heng Swee Keat is best man to be next PM, says Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Outgoing DPM says Heng Swee Keat has exceptional ability and support of his peers
By Tham Yuen-C, Senior Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
With his exceptional ability and the support of his peers, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat is the best person to assume the post of Deputy Prime Minister and take over as Prime Minister in the next term of government, said Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday.
In a Facebook post shortly after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the latest Cabinet reshuffle, the outgoing Deputy Prime Minister described the changes as a major step in leadership succession and a plus for Singapore's future. A sudden change was avoided while ensuring there was renewal along with the changing times, he added.
Mr Tharman and Mr Teo Chee Hean will relinquish their posts as DPMs and assume the mantle of Senior Ministers.
Mr Tharman, who has been Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies since 2015, will be redesignated as Coordinating Minister for Social Policies.
He will continue to advise the Prime Minister on economic policies. He has also been appointed deputy chairman of Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, where he is currently a board member.
Mr Teo will remain as Coordinating Minister for National Security.
Commenting on the changes, Mr Tharman said: "It may be unexciting and predictable, but it works for Singapore. We will have a strong crew in Cabinet, with PM Lee at the helm, Teo Chee Hean and myself staying engaged as Senior Ministers and, together with our other senior colleagues, providing support to the 4G team as it takes over.
"We each have our strengths and individual characters, but none of us is perfect. Our system of political renewal in Government only succeeds if we complement each other and play as a team, work with Singaporeans and never let success get to our heads or assume that all that worked in the past will work in the future. It is how the Singapore story keeps going."
Mr Tharman also had advice for the next generation of leaders.
With Singaporeans' views and aspirations changing, things will be quite different 10 years from now, and the 4G leadership will have to "carve their own way as leaders, individually and as a team, and progressively leave their own imprint", he said, pledging to help them in every way he can in Government.
"Our 4G leadership will have to keep their ears close to the ground, stay open to new ideas and initiatives, and keep evolving our strategies to keep our society inclusive and vibrant. So that they retain the trust of Singaporeans and lead the country with confidence," he said.
Mr Tharman, who helms Jurong GRC and was first elected in 2001, also said he looked forward to "continuing to serve my constituents in Jurong in the years to come".
Social and Family Development Minister and fellow Jurong GRC MP Desmond Lee said Mr Tharman's focus in Jurong has been on caring for people and working to improve their lives, adding: "We look forward to his continued mentorship."
Singapore Business Federation chief executive Ho Meng Kit said it was good to have Mr Tharman remain as an adviser and looking after Singapore's reserves at GIC.
"Economic policy in Singapore is very strong and social policies here need to be carefully crafted, particularly in this situation where inequality is a growing concern," he said, adding that Mr Tharman's presence was reassuring.
Outgoing DPM says Heng Swee Keat has exceptional ability and support of his peers
By Tham Yuen-C, Senior Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
With his exceptional ability and the support of his peers, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat is the best person to assume the post of Deputy Prime Minister and take over as Prime Minister in the next term of government, said Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday.
In a Facebook post shortly after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the latest Cabinet reshuffle, the outgoing Deputy Prime Minister described the changes as a major step in leadership succession and a plus for Singapore's future. A sudden change was avoided while ensuring there was renewal along with the changing times, he added.
Mr Tharman and Mr Teo Chee Hean will relinquish their posts as DPMs and assume the mantle of Senior Ministers.
Mr Tharman, who has been Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies since 2015, will be redesignated as Coordinating Minister for Social Policies.
He will continue to advise the Prime Minister on economic policies. He has also been appointed deputy chairman of Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, where he is currently a board member.
Mr Teo will remain as Coordinating Minister for National Security.
Commenting on the changes, Mr Tharman said: "It may be unexciting and predictable, but it works for Singapore. We will have a strong crew in Cabinet, with PM Lee at the helm, Teo Chee Hean and myself staying engaged as Senior Ministers and, together with our other senior colleagues, providing support to the 4G team as it takes over.
"We each have our strengths and individual characters, but none of us is perfect. Our system of political renewal in Government only succeeds if we complement each other and play as a team, work with Singaporeans and never let success get to our heads or assume that all that worked in the past will work in the future. It is how the Singapore story keeps going."
Mr Tharman also had advice for the next generation of leaders.
With Singaporeans' views and aspirations changing, things will be quite different 10 years from now, and the 4G leadership will have to "carve their own way as leaders, individually and as a team, and progressively leave their own imprint", he said, pledging to help them in every way he can in Government.
"Our 4G leadership will have to keep their ears close to the ground, stay open to new ideas and initiatives, and keep evolving our strategies to keep our society inclusive and vibrant. So that they retain the trust of Singaporeans and lead the country with confidence," he said.
Mr Tharman, who helms Jurong GRC and was first elected in 2001, also said he looked forward to "continuing to serve my constituents in Jurong in the years to come".
Social and Family Development Minister and fellow Jurong GRC MP Desmond Lee said Mr Tharman's focus in Jurong has been on caring for people and working to improve their lives, adding: "We look forward to his continued mentorship."
Singapore Business Federation chief executive Ho Meng Kit said it was good to have Mr Tharman remain as an adviser and looking after Singapore's reserves at GIC.
"Economic policy in Singapore is very strong and social policies here need to be carefully crafted, particularly in this situation where inequality is a growing concern," he said, adding that Mr Tharman's presence was reassuring.
Cabinet reshuffle: Strong message on who will be in charge next, say observers
By Rachel Au-Yong, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has sent a clear message that Mr Heng Swee Keat is the next leader of Singapore by appointing him as the sole Deputy Prime Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle yesterday, observers said.
"It's a strong signal to the international community that Mr Heng is next in charge," said Mr Ho Meng Kit, chief executive of the Singapore Business Federation, adding that the move would make for a stable handover later.
Similarly, East Asian Institute senior research fellow Lam Peng Er said the fact that Mr Heng will be Acting PM when PM Lee is not in town is significant in expelling any remaining doubts about the next leader of Singapore. "It's very unambiguous. Mr Heng is the man."
Since Singapore's independence, there have been only three periods when the country had only one second-in-command.
They were from June 1959 to August 1968, when the DPM was Dr Toh Chin Chye; between March 1973 and June 1980, when the No. 2 was Dr Goh Keng Swee; and from September 1993 to August 1995, when Mr Lee Hsien Loong was the DPM.
As a result, some had expected Mr Heng, the Finance Minister, to be appointed the first DPM, and Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, the second DPM.
This would have replicated their respective roles as first assistant secretary-general and second assistant secretary-general of the People's Action Party.
Others had expected a major reshuffle, with other fourth-generation (4G) leaders being moved to other organs of government or promoted. Instead, the only changes were the promotion of Mr Heng, and DPMs Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam being appointed Senior Ministers.
But NUS research fellow Mustafa Izzuddin pointed out two other advantages in having a relatively simple reshuffle and one DPM.
One, it puts the spotlight on Mr Heng, who will work closely with PM Lee in directing the next general election, which must be held by April 2021. "That's another reason this reshuffle was so simple - it's supposed to be non-disruptive, to make it clear who the next PM is and to do that, you first need that person to be DPM," he said.
Two, with just Mr Heng as DPM, he can choose his own deputy and by extension, the rest of his team when he eventually takes the top post.
"This way, Mr Heng is given sufficient space to make the decisions he thinks are best for Singapore, and to make his own mark about his leadership style in time," Dr Mustafa added.
Some challenges lie ahead for Mr Heng.
While he has shown his technocratic abilities, he will need to develop more rapport with the people as the PM-designate, said Dr Lam.
"People want to know what makes him tick. The next GE will be more difficult than 2015's, so he really needs to demonstrate his leadership and who he is," he added.
Mr Heng, with his team, also has to prove that Singapore will not be in weaker hands when leadership change takes place, said fellow Tampines GRC MP and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng.
"The hard work in the GRC will have to continue, even intensify," he said. "I don't think people will think of Tampines as a safe ward. In fact, the opposition may want to put the next PM on his toes.''
In the meantime, the 4G leaders will benefit with Mr Teo and Mr Tharman staying on as Senior Ministers, he said.
"This good practice of having senior ministers has been in place since Mr S. Rajaratnam was first appointed. This is a good way to ensure we can continue to tap Mr Teo and Mr Tharman's experience and strengths," Mr Baey added.
Looking ahead, SIM Global Education associate lecturer Felix Tan said there could be a few more changes later.
He had expected, in yesterday's announcement, that some senior ministers of state would take over as ministers of their portfolios.
"That would clearly demonstrate that the 4G are taking heavier responsibilities, but perhaps they are a little bit cautious this round," he said.
By Rachel Au-Yong, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2019
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has sent a clear message that Mr Heng Swee Keat is the next leader of Singapore by appointing him as the sole Deputy Prime Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle yesterday, observers said.
"It's a strong signal to the international community that Mr Heng is next in charge," said Mr Ho Meng Kit, chief executive of the Singapore Business Federation, adding that the move would make for a stable handover later.
Similarly, East Asian Institute senior research fellow Lam Peng Er said the fact that Mr Heng will be Acting PM when PM Lee is not in town is significant in expelling any remaining doubts about the next leader of Singapore. "It's very unambiguous. Mr Heng is the man."
Since Singapore's independence, there have been only three periods when the country had only one second-in-command.
They were from June 1959 to August 1968, when the DPM was Dr Toh Chin Chye; between March 1973 and June 1980, when the No. 2 was Dr Goh Keng Swee; and from September 1993 to August 1995, when Mr Lee Hsien Loong was the DPM.
As a result, some had expected Mr Heng, the Finance Minister, to be appointed the first DPM, and Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, the second DPM.
This would have replicated their respective roles as first assistant secretary-general and second assistant secretary-general of the People's Action Party.
Others had expected a major reshuffle, with other fourth-generation (4G) leaders being moved to other organs of government or promoted. Instead, the only changes were the promotion of Mr Heng, and DPMs Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam being appointed Senior Ministers.
But NUS research fellow Mustafa Izzuddin pointed out two other advantages in having a relatively simple reshuffle and one DPM.
One, it puts the spotlight on Mr Heng, who will work closely with PM Lee in directing the next general election, which must be held by April 2021. "That's another reason this reshuffle was so simple - it's supposed to be non-disruptive, to make it clear who the next PM is and to do that, you first need that person to be DPM," he said.
Two, with just Mr Heng as DPM, he can choose his own deputy and by extension, the rest of his team when he eventually takes the top post.
"This way, Mr Heng is given sufficient space to make the decisions he thinks are best for Singapore, and to make his own mark about his leadership style in time," Dr Mustafa added.
Some challenges lie ahead for Mr Heng.
While he has shown his technocratic abilities, he will need to develop more rapport with the people as the PM-designate, said Dr Lam.
"People want to know what makes him tick. The next GE will be more difficult than 2015's, so he really needs to demonstrate his leadership and who he is," he added.
Mr Heng, with his team, also has to prove that Singapore will not be in weaker hands when leadership change takes place, said fellow Tampines GRC MP and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng.
"The hard work in the GRC will have to continue, even intensify," he said. "I don't think people will think of Tampines as a safe ward. In fact, the opposition may want to put the next PM on his toes.''
In the meantime, the 4G leaders will benefit with Mr Teo and Mr Tharman staying on as Senior Ministers, he said.
"This good practice of having senior ministers has been in place since Mr S. Rajaratnam was first appointed. This is a good way to ensure we can continue to tap Mr Teo and Mr Tharman's experience and strengths," Mr Baey added.
Looking ahead, SIM Global Education associate lecturer Felix Tan said there could be a few more changes later.
He had expected, in yesterday's announcement, that some senior ministers of state would take over as ministers of their portfolios.
"That would clearly demonstrate that the 4G are taking heavier responsibilities, but perhaps they are a little bit cautious this round," he said.
As DPM, Heng Swee Keat will assist PM Lee in reviewing longer-term policies
By Vanessa Liu, The Straits Times, 29 Apr 2019
As deputy prime minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat will support Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in reviewing longer-term policies on issues such as the ageing population and economic restructuring.
Mr Heng, who assumes his new post on Wednesday, said other issues he will examine include the greater use of technology and innovation to drive Singapore's future economy, and dealing with social issues that will arise as the economy develops amid rapid global shifts.
He was responding to questions from reporters on his role as DPM at an event yesterday in his Tampines constituency.
He said another crucial part of his role will be to support PM Lee in strengthening Singapore's relations with major partners around the world.
Mr Heng, who is the Finance Minister, had returned about a week ago from the United States, where he was in Washington for the Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, among other meetings.
Earlier this month, he was in Chiang Rai, Thailand, for the Asean Finance Ministers' Meeting on April 4 and 5, and in Putrajaya for the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat on April 9.
He said he is going to China and Japan next month.
"A whole range of visits to build good relations with our neighbours, to strengthen our partnership to take Singapore forward," Mr Heng said.
The Prime Minister's Office announced Mr Heng's promotion to DPM last Tuesday, a move that takes him closer towards succeeding PM Lee as Singapore's next leader. PM Lee had previously said he hoped to hand over his post to his successor by the time he turns 70 in 2022.
Asked about the fact that he is likely to be DPM for a shorter period than PM Lee, who held the post for 14 years, Mr Heng noted that he has been in public service for his entire career.
"So I've been in policymaking for many, many years now, as well as in operational work in the police. So it's not something that's totally new to me," he said.
"But, of course, the learning curve will be steeper, and I will do my best," he added. "And we will certainly have the good support of the PM, DPM Teo (Chee Hean), DPM Tharman (Shanmugaratnam) as well as Cabinet colleagues."
On whether his new responsibilities mean he will be less active in Tampines GRC, Mr Heng said he and his fellow MPs have been working closely together all the time, and will continue to be active in the community.
All five MPs were at yesterday's event, where they attended the ground-breaking for another 4km of cycling paths for Tampines.
Construction for the remaining 10km of the cycling path network will begin next year.
The town's cycling path network will be expanded to 21km by 2022.
About 100 bicycle parking spaces were also added outside the Tampines Downtown Line MRT station, making it easier for residents to park and ride for their daily commute.
Some residents welcomed the new infrastructure but expressed concerns about sharing paths with personal mobility device (PMD) users.
Madam Ivy Lim, 56, recalled near-collisions with PMD users when she was out with her elderly mother, who is a wheelchair user.
"Unlike bicycles, these e-scooters have no bells to warn us that they are approaching. I have to wheel my mother very slowly in order to avoid accidents," added the Tampines resident, who is an administrative officer.
There were 100 accidents involving PMDs on public paths last year.
"As users of public paths, whether as cyclists, pedestrians or PMD users, we must all do our part to behave in a responsible manner to keep the paths safe and enjoyable for all users," said Mr Heng.
He added that programmes in schools will continue to be held to teach students good behaviour.
By Vanessa Liu, The Straits Times, 29 Apr 2019
As deputy prime minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat will support Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in reviewing longer-term policies on issues such as the ageing population and economic restructuring.
Mr Heng, who assumes his new post on Wednesday, said other issues he will examine include the greater use of technology and innovation to drive Singapore's future economy, and dealing with social issues that will arise as the economy develops amid rapid global shifts.
He was responding to questions from reporters on his role as DPM at an event yesterday in his Tampines constituency.
He said another crucial part of his role will be to support PM Lee in strengthening Singapore's relations with major partners around the world.
Mr Heng, who is the Finance Minister, had returned about a week ago from the United States, where he was in Washington for the Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, among other meetings.
Earlier this month, he was in Chiang Rai, Thailand, for the Asean Finance Ministers' Meeting on April 4 and 5, and in Putrajaya for the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat on April 9.
He said he is going to China and Japan next month.
"A whole range of visits to build good relations with our neighbours, to strengthen our partnership to take Singapore forward," Mr Heng said.
The Prime Minister's Office announced Mr Heng's promotion to DPM last Tuesday, a move that takes him closer towards succeeding PM Lee as Singapore's next leader. PM Lee had previously said he hoped to hand over his post to his successor by the time he turns 70 in 2022.
Asked about the fact that he is likely to be DPM for a shorter period than PM Lee, who held the post for 14 years, Mr Heng noted that he has been in public service for his entire career.
"So I've been in policymaking for many, many years now, as well as in operational work in the police. So it's not something that's totally new to me," he said.
"But, of course, the learning curve will be steeper, and I will do my best," he added. "And we will certainly have the good support of the PM, DPM Teo (Chee Hean), DPM Tharman (Shanmugaratnam) as well as Cabinet colleagues."
On whether his new responsibilities mean he will be less active in Tampines GRC, Mr Heng said he and his fellow MPs have been working closely together all the time, and will continue to be active in the community.
All five MPs were at yesterday's event, where they attended the ground-breaking for another 4km of cycling paths for Tampines.
Construction for the remaining 10km of the cycling path network will begin next year.
The town's cycling path network will be expanded to 21km by 2022.
About 100 bicycle parking spaces were also added outside the Tampines Downtown Line MRT station, making it easier for residents to park and ride for their daily commute.
Some residents welcomed the new infrastructure but expressed concerns about sharing paths with personal mobility device (PMD) users.
Madam Ivy Lim, 56, recalled near-collisions with PMD users when she was out with her elderly mother, who is a wheelchair user.
"Unlike bicycles, these e-scooters have no bells to warn us that they are approaching. I have to wheel my mother very slowly in order to avoid accidents," added the Tampines resident, who is an administrative officer.
There were 100 accidents involving PMDs on public paths last year.
"As users of public paths, whether as cyclists, pedestrians or PMD users, we must all do our part to behave in a responsible manner to keep the paths safe and enjoyable for all users," said Mr Heng.
He added that programmes in schools will continue to be held to teach students good behaviour.
Heng Swee Keat will bear more political responsibilities as Singapore's No. 2: PM Lee Hsien Loong
By Danson Cheong, China Correspondent In Beijing, The Straits Times, 30 Apr 2019
Incoming deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat will shoulder greater political responsibilities as Singapore's No. 2, and these would involve setting the agenda, setting out the Government's position and policies to the people, and building his team.
These are his key tasks, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at an interview with Singapore reporters in Beijing yesterday, when asked if Mr Heng would take on more leading roles, including in the general election that has to be held by April 2021.
Mr Heng, the Finance Minister, will be Singapore's sole deputy prime minister from tomorrow.
He told reporters on Sunday that as DPM, he would assist PM Lee on reviewing longer-term policies on issues such as the ageing population and economic restructuring.
PM Lee said yesterday that Mr Heng had "understated" his responsibilities. "He is taking on as DPM. He is not just a minister, but also carrying more of the political responsibilities. And that means setting the agenda, pitching the Government's stance and policies to the public, building the younger team, and being ready in all respects to take over from me and my older ministers as soon as possible."
The Prime Minister's Office had announced the widely anticipated reshuffle of the Cabinet last Tuesday, which saw Mr Heng promoted to deputy prime minister.
Both DPMs Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam will then become senior ministers.
During the wrap-up interview of his working visit to China, PM Lee said it was a "natural follow-up" for Mr Heng to be the deputy prime minister as he had already been appointed first assistant secretary-general of the ruling People's Action Party at its party conference last November.
He was picked by the 4G leaders to lead them, and these younger ministers have also endorsed his choice of deputy, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, said the Prime Minister. It is a "strong position" to be in, he added.
Observers have noted that by appointing Mr Heng as the sole deputy prime minister, the Government was sending a clear signal he was the heir apparent.
Asked why there was only one deputy prime minister when the prime minister typically has two deputies, PM Lee said that across Singapore's history, there were times when the country had either one or two deputy prime ministers.
Singapore used to have one deputy prime minister until 1980, when Dr Goh Keng Swee was the deputy of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Mr S. Rajaratnam was appointed second deputy prime minister in June that year.
Since then, there have been two deputy prime ministers in Cabinet apart from a two-year stretch from September 1993, when former DPM Ong Teng Cheong became president.
PM Lee also said yesterday that having one Deputy PM was a natural progression from recent changes to the party leadership.
“Sometimes we have had two, sometimes we have had one. Most of the time, we have had two,” he said.
“Right now, we have one. So it is a natural progression from the party leadership adjustments last year, but it is not the final position and we will make further adjustments as we go along.”
But that would not happen this year, which means there would be no second deputy prime minister before the year end.
"I usually make Cabinet adjustments or reshuffles every year so I don't think I will change it again by the end of this year," he said.
But he hopes the leadership transition will be settled before the next general election, reiterating his intention to hand over his post by the time he turns 70 in 2022.
"Within the next term, by the time I'm 70, I hope to have handed over to my successor. I'm working to that timeline," he said.
By Danson Cheong, China Correspondent In Beijing, The Straits Times, 30 Apr 2019
These are his key tasks, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at an interview with Singapore reporters in Beijing yesterday, when asked if Mr Heng would take on more leading roles, including in the general election that has to be held by April 2021.
Mr Heng, the Finance Minister, will be Singapore's sole deputy prime minister from tomorrow.
He told reporters on Sunday that as DPM, he would assist PM Lee on reviewing longer-term policies on issues such as the ageing population and economic restructuring.
PM Lee said yesterday that Mr Heng had "understated" his responsibilities. "He is taking on as DPM. He is not just a minister, but also carrying more of the political responsibilities. And that means setting the agenda, pitching the Government's stance and policies to the public, building the younger team, and being ready in all respects to take over from me and my older ministers as soon as possible."
The Prime Minister's Office had announced the widely anticipated reshuffle of the Cabinet last Tuesday, which saw Mr Heng promoted to deputy prime minister.
Both DPMs Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam will then become senior ministers.
During the wrap-up interview of his working visit to China, PM Lee said it was a "natural follow-up" for Mr Heng to be the deputy prime minister as he had already been appointed first assistant secretary-general of the ruling People's Action Party at its party conference last November.
He was picked by the 4G leaders to lead them, and these younger ministers have also endorsed his choice of deputy, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, said the Prime Minister. It is a "strong position" to be in, he added.
Observers have noted that by appointing Mr Heng as the sole deputy prime minister, the Government was sending a clear signal he was the heir apparent.
Asked why there was only one deputy prime minister when the prime minister typically has two deputies, PM Lee said that across Singapore's history, there were times when the country had either one or two deputy prime ministers.
Singapore used to have one deputy prime minister until 1980, when Dr Goh Keng Swee was the deputy of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Mr S. Rajaratnam was appointed second deputy prime minister in June that year.
Since then, there have been two deputy prime ministers in Cabinet apart from a two-year stretch from September 1993, when former DPM Ong Teng Cheong became president.
PM Lee also said yesterday that having one Deputy PM was a natural progression from recent changes to the party leadership.
“Sometimes we have had two, sometimes we have had one. Most of the time, we have had two,” he said.
“Right now, we have one. So it is a natural progression from the party leadership adjustments last year, but it is not the final position and we will make further adjustments as we go along.”
But that would not happen this year, which means there would be no second deputy prime minister before the year end.
"I usually make Cabinet adjustments or reshuffles every year so I don't think I will change it again by the end of this year," he said.
But he hopes the leadership transition will be settled before the next general election, reiterating his intention to hand over his post by the time he turns 70 in 2022.
"Within the next term, by the time I'm 70, I hope to have handed over to my successor. I'm working to that timeline," he said.
What's the next chapter in Singapore's political succession story?
By Rachel Au-Yong, Housing Correspondent, The Straits Times, 29 Apr 2019
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat will become the Deputy Prime Minister - moving him a step closer towards eventually becoming Singapore's next leader.
His promotion came as no surprise as the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) fourth-generation team had selected Mr Heng to be its leader, and he was appointed the party's first assistant secretary-general last November.
Outgoing DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who will become Senior Minister alongside outgoing DPM Teo Chee Hean on May 1, described the ruling party's leadership renewal as a process that "may be unexciting and predictable", but one that works for Singapore.
As Singapore transitions from its third generation of leaders to the fourth, it is now clear who will succeed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. PM Lee has said he hopes to step down by the time he is 70, which is in 2022.
With a PM-designate and a possible deadline in sight, The Straits Times takes a closer look at the issue of political succession.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET READY FOR SUCCESSION?
A key ingredient of political succession is to have a team of able people in politics, which must then gain sufficient experience helming different ministries.
By doing so, these leaders would be exposed to the workings of the different ministries, take on board various perspectives and solve national issues in a more holistic fashion - this is especially critical as problems get more complex.
One difference between the 4G leaders and earlier generations is that previous leaders had a longer runway to gain experience.
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong had 14 years in politics under his belt before taking over as PM from Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 1990. PM Lee spent 20 years in politics before he assumed the role in 2004.
In contrast, Mr Heng and the man he has asked to be his deputy in the PAP, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, entered politics in 2011. This means they will probably have about 10 years in politics before their generation takes over from PM Lee's.
To make up for the shorter runway, PM Lee has had several Cabinet reshuffles, refreshing his team with younger ministers and rotating them around.
Last April saw a major reshuffle, with younger ministers taking on heavier responsibilities - the changes saw 4G ministers helm 10 out of 16 ministries. At that time, four backbenchers became office-holders to bolster the front bench and three veteran ministers retired from Cabinet: Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Mr Lim Swee Say and Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.
While the public focus tends to be on future prime ministers when it comes to succession, the rest of the Cabinet matters too.
In his memoir, Be At The Table Or Be On The Menu, former DPM and Law Minister S. Jayakumar, an accomplished law professor before he entered politics, recounted how he had wished to step down before the 2006 polls.
But he stayed on until PM Lee could persuade then MP K. Shanmugam to become an office-holder. Mr Shanmugam became Law Minister two years later, and Professor Jayakumar retired from politics before the 2011 general election.
On top of learning how to govern, the country's future leaders must be able to rally the people's support. In his authorised biography Tall Order, Mr Goh said: "It is not governing. The key is, always, can you win elections?... Can you mobilise and will people follow you?"
In the lead-up to the 1984 election, Mr Goh directed the PAP's campaign and drafted a new Cabinet line-up for after the polls. He had also organised the 1980 polls as the party's second assistant secretary-general.
As the designated successor to PM Lee, Mr Heng is expected to take charge of the party's direction for the next election, which must be held by April 2021.
This, alongside more visibility in the spotlight, should give Mr Heng more opportunities to show Singapore how he leads, observers said.
As East Asian Institute senior research fellow Lam Peng Er put it: "People want to know what makes Mr Heng tick. We know that he's consultative, and we found out how conscientious he was in returning to work after he (recovered) from a stroke (which he suffered in May 2016).
"But we want to know more about how he might respond to crises and other issues of the day, what his leadership and thinking styles are like, which we may not have seen as much of because PM Lee is currently at the helm."
It is also important for the next generation of leaders to be known and highly regarded by the international community so that Singapore's presence is felt worldwide, said observers.
Chinese leaders have long regarded founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew as the principal architect of Sino-Singapore relations.
The late Mr Lee is one of a handful leaders who have met all five of China's top leaders - from the late chairman Mao Zedong to current President Xi Jinping.
Mr Goh, meanwhile, is credited with investing in the relationship between Singapore and India, to the point that he is still given a special welcome whenever he visits the country as Emeritus Senior Minister.
PM Lee has continued with his predecessors' approach to foreign policy, establishing warm ties with many nations, including bigger ones such as China and the United States.
Mr Heng and his peers are currently building relationships with foreign leaders.
This month alone, he was in Chiang Rai, Thailand, for the Asean Finance Ministers' Meeting and in Putrajaya for the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat. He also travelled to Washington for the Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, among other meetings in the US.
Having a leader who is well regarded internationally has many upsides, one of which is market stability when the handover happens.
As a small country, Singapore is also reliant on its relationships with other nations - partly to develop a "second wing" for Singapore companies to make the push overseas and also to bring investments, both monetary and intangible, here.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, another 4G leader who has been with Mr Heng on many trips, said the future DPM has been "quietly but effectively engaging leaders in China, US, G-20 and Asean, and our immediate neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia for several years".
"Most, especially those in the financial circles, already knew him from his days at MAS for his astute management during the global financial crisis," said Dr Balakrishnan of Mr Heng, who was former managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
"He always demonstrates seriousness of purpose and quiet confidence during discussions on public policy.
"In his interactions with business leaders, he shows deep curiosity and humility - attributes that encourage more salient conversations. Equally impressive is his relaxed, approachable demeanour with Singaporeans, both overseas and local."
THE CHALLENGES OF POLITICAL SUCCESSION
One of the greatest difficulties of ensuring political succession is convincing able people to step up and join politics in the first place.
The PAP sets a high bar for itself, priding itself on its candidates having both integrity and competence, among other positive traits.
A familiar and frequent lament from PAP leaders is that it is hard enough finding capable people and harder yet to convince them to enter politics under present circumstances, where social media magnifies the public glare.
Describing the increasingly difficult landscape in an interview in January 2015, PM Lee said in Mandarin: " If you ask an ordinary Singaporean whether he is willing to join politics, he may say, this is so troublesome, as it involves not only me, but also my family and my children. Do I really need to do this?"
Another challenge is ensuring diversity in the PAP's team-centric model.
A common criticism is that PAP candidates are overwhelmingly from the civil service or military. A significant proportion who hail from the private sector are mostly lawyers or doctors.
This has led to concerns about groupthink, especially at a time when the populace increasingly has varying and more complex needs.
Mr Heng has said that the 4G leaders will listen to views from Singaporeans with "humility and respect".
In his speech to wrap up the debate on the President's Address last May, he said: "We will consider all views with an open mind and adjust our course accordingly. We will communicate the thinking behind our decisions clearly."
IS THE SINGAPORE SYSTEM UNIQUE?
The PAP has the distinction of being the longest-ruling political party in a democracy, clocking in 60 years this year.
These six decades have been marked by continuity, with each handover almost a non-event.
In fact, the PAP strives hard to make each succession as unexciting as possible.
Unlike other countries, there is no public tussling for the top spot or appointment by the incumbent leader. Rather, each generation of PAP leaders picks who among them will emerge as primus inter pares, or first among equals.
Mr Goh's contemporaries did so over coffee, orange juice and chocolate cake after dinner at then Finance Minister Tony Tan's home in 1984.
In 2004, it was a powwow over a lunch hosted by then Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng at the Istana. The meeting was short because "the choice was clear": PM Lee Hsien Loong.
Mr Heng was told of his peers' decision last October.
After a decision has been made, the PAP leadership throws its weight behind its chosen one.
When Mr Lee Kuan Yew publicly pointed out that his first choice of successor was Dr Tony Tan instead of Mr Goh, many of Mr Goh's peers, including Dr Tan, reaffirmed Mr Goh as their choice.
In other countries, however, there is often infighting. Australia, for example, has seen seven prime ministers in the last decade, many of them ousted by members of their own party.
In Singapore, continuity is also upheld through the practice of having senior ministers who remain in Cabinet and allow younger ministers to tap their experience. There have been four SMs to date - the late Mr Lee, Mr Goh, former DPM S. Rajaratnam and Prof Jayakumar.
Unlike other political parties, the PAP also constantly emphasises the importance of the team over the individual.
As early as in 1966, the late Mr Lee had worried about a "very thin crust of leadership".
Between 1972 and 1980, he and the pioneer generation brought into politics key members of the second-generation team, including Messrs Goh, Ong Teng Cheong, Tony Tan, Lim Chee Onn, S. Dhanabalan, Ahmad Mattar and S. Jayakumar.
When Mr Goh took over, he also started the practice of pre-Cabinet meetings to float ideas and increase rapport among members.
Similarly, PM Lee adopted a "consensual method of decision-making", Prof Jayakumar wrote in his book.
As the 4G picks up more experience - in governing, campaigning and working with one another - the road to the next phase of political succession appears to be clear.
The one hurdle the team will have to clear is the next general election - if they do so, then the handover should be a smooth one.
Interview with DPM Heng Swee Keat
Good jobs for Singaporeans a key focus: DPM Heng Swee Keat
By Adrian Lim, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
Transforming the economy, ensuring inclusive growth and creating good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans amid rapid changes in the global landscape are key areas which Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and his colleagues are focused on in the immediate term.
But the "biggest unknown" in the years ahead is how politics in Singapore will play out, and whether it can be kept constructive and forward-looking, Mr Heng noted.
"We have had 50-over years of very constructive politics. We have been able to keep our society cohesive and united. We have been able to achieve consensus on a large number of short-term as well as long-term issues, and that has allowed Singapore to really make good progress," Mr Heng said, in his first interview since becoming DPM on May 1.
But he noted that political polarisation and fragmented societies are serious problems in many parts of the world, and said the fourth-generation leaders are working on a "normative scenario" to keep politics in Singapore constructive, and the country cohesive and united.
One of the important pieces, he said, will be to engage citizens from different segments of the population, so they can better understand the diversity in society, and continue building on the strengths of Singaporeans by working together with them, from tripartite relationships to community partnerships.
This will build on the legacy left by founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, under whose leadership a multiracial, multi-religious and cohesive society was created, allowing Singapore to tackle many challenges.
Under former PM Goh Chok Tong, now Emeritus Senior Minister, a more open, consultative style was brought in, which has been carried on by current PM Lee Hsien Loong.
Mr Heng, whose appointment to DPM has signalled his standing as the next PM, said he hopes to provide more details in the coming months of an initiative to converse with Singaporeans, to hear their concerns and aspirations.
During a broad-ranging interview discussing his plans and leadership style, Mr Heng said one of his immediate priorities is streamlining the structure of the Future Economy Council and the National Research Foundation (NRF) Board.
Mr Heng, who chairs both boards, said this will provide a clear structure to drive the economic changes Singapore needs, with faster decision-making and the ability to engage business and union leaders more readily.
The Future Economy Council, which oversees skills and innovation efforts, comprises members from Government, industry, unions, and educational and training institutions, while the NRF, part of the Prime Minister's Office, charts the national direction for research and development. "Because technology and innovation is going to drive economic changes so much more than before, I would like to align what we do in our universities in basic research with innovation and enterprise activities," said Mr Heng, who is also Finance Minister.
At the same time, Mr Heng said the Government will look to help small and medium-sized enterprises, which may be too small to adopt expensive technologies on their own, to tap platform solutions.
On economic transformation, he said: "The changes are not just economic; it is also social. If we can create better jobs for our people, it will allow our people to have a better standard of living and better quality of work life."
Mr Heng said when societies become fragmented, they cannot have the political consensus to do the right thing, or undertake "painful measures" necessary for the long term. He hopes that Singapore will not have this kind of politics and, instead, will be prepared to face realities squarely and resolve problems.
Hard decisions are already being made, he said, such as the planned goods and services tax hike by 2 percentage points to 9 per cent, to take place some time between 2021 and 2025. This is to set aside resources for healthcare and an ageing population, among other needs.
Why not spend more of Singapore's reserves? Mr Heng said that the biggest contributor to government revenue is the Net Investment Returns Contribution - up to 50 per cent of the returns on the reserves.
As a country with no natural resources, Singapore's founding leaders and generations have been able to accumulate a "nest egg" of reserves, which is critical to safeguard for future generations.
"One of the key things that our founding leaders and, in fact, generations of leaders and Singaporeans have been able to agree on is to focus on the long term, don't take short cuts, focus on what is important for Singaporeans in the long run, even if it may be painful in the short run," said Mr Heng.
The People's Action Party (PAP) is working on its manifesto and in the midst of selecting candidates for the next general election (GE), Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Friday.
It is also reaching out to different segments of the population to make sure it is able to understand their concerns, and work with them to shape Singapore's future, he added.
In his first interview since becoming DPM, Mr Heng, the PAP's first assistant secretary-general, said he is working very closely with Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, the party's second assistant secretary-general, in the preparations.
Singapore's next GE must be held by April 2021, and the party's leader, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, had said recently that Mr Heng would play a bigger role in the hustings.
Mr Heng said on Friday: "We are working on the manifesto on how we hope to take Singapore forward in the next five years and beyond."
The party is also in the midst of selecting its candidates. "The party has a policy of renewing our ranks at every election and the work is intensifying," Mr Heng said. "We've had some very good candidates already, but the work is continuing because we still have some time."
The PAP also hopes to be able to convince many of the good candidates, who hail from a variety of backgrounds, to join the party.
"Our society is becoming more diverse and it's important for us to continue to represent that diversity and to make sure that we are able to bring in the views of different segments of our society and, at the same time, to be then able to achieve a consensus that lets us turn diversity into a strength and not let diversity divide us," he added.
Asked if the fourth-generation leaders were confident of bringing people from this diverse group into the fold, Mr Heng said they will certainly try their best.
He acknowledged that it is a lot more challenging as Singapore's economy had grown quite well and the global economy is faring well too. Singaporeans have many opportunities, in a whole range of assignments, locally and around the world.
"What we'll have to do is to convince them that politics is a very meaningful and impactful thing to do and that... if you want to take Singapore forward, one important way is for you to join us so that we can continue to win the trust and confidence of fellow Singaporeans," he added.
During the interview, Mr Heng was also asked about the perspective shared by some younger Singaporeans, that a greater opposition presence in Parliament would be better for Singapore.
Mr Heng said he understands why young Singaporeans, who are exposed to Western media, may think that there should be a certain brand of democracy with two parties and that a single party in power for many years is not a good thing.
But he suggested that they look at the evidence and what is happening around the world.
A case in point is in the United Kingdom. He said he was saddened that even as Singapore is commemorating its bicentennial, having been put on the global trading map following the arrival of Stamford Raffles 200 years ago, the political situation in the UK has become quite fragmented.
"You see the very contentious debates in the British Parliament and in British society about Brexit... The fragmentation is very serious," he said.
"The key question for us in our society is this: How do we include the views of as many people as possible in our governance process and mobilise the energies of the people in our society in our governance?
"It is not a given that having an opposition party, having multiple parties, will result in the best outcome for society."
He noted that in many democracies, politics is almost an auction, where parties compete to promise a "much easier, better life" to win votes. This, he added, is behaving rather irresponsibly, to promise a better future which they cannot deliver, he added.
"It's very important for us not to fall for that, because for Singapore, we have built our society to be so vibrant and successful and cohesive over these years, because we are prepared to do difficult things. We are prepared to take hard decisions," said Mr Heng.
"And many Singaporeans know that. At the end of the day, it is the outcomes that matter, and by coming together we can achieve that outcome. They are prepared for the short-term pains. This is a very important political ethos in our society which we must keep."
DPM HENG ON SINGAPORE’S FUTURE
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat shares his views on the challenges ahead, the need to engage Singaporeans and his hopes for the nation
INCLUSIVE GROWTH
At the May Day Rally, we spoke about how we want to make sure that our growth is inclusive. We want to create opportunities for all segments of our labour force — from the old-age workers to the managers and professional groups.
We are spending a lot of time and effort thinking about these issues, and making sure that we can continue to create opportunities for our young people.
KEY CHALLENGE: POLARISATION OF SOCIETY
Political polarisation is a very serious problem. When I was in Davos as well as recently in the US, I had many discussions with political and business leaders in various parts of society on the changing nature of societies, in different parts of the world, in Europe, in America, in Asia.
What everyone has been very alarmed by is the speed at which society is fragmenting into parts. Many societies cannot have the political consensus to do the right thing.
Even more worrying is that many societies do not take painful measures which are necessary for the long term. Everyone promises that things will be easier, better and sometimes to the point of telling untruths.
I think that that is not the kind of politics that we should have in Singapore. We must be prepared to face realities even if they are harsh, to face it squarely and say, look, how do we go about resolving this, and how do we create a better life, despite these constraints and despite these problems?
ENGAGING SINGAPOREANS
So I am hoping that in the coming months, I will provide some details of how we are going to engage Singaporeans in this effort to understand the concerns of Singaporeans and the aspirations of Singaporeans even better, particularly in specific areas for different segments of our population.
Because, as I said, our society is becoming more diverse. It is important for us to understand this diversity better and for us to mobilise the different groups and to look at what we can do together.
BUILDING ON STRENGTHS
So the question for us is, going forward, how do we build on what Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Goh Chok Tong and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have been doing and build on the strengths of our people? Now that we have a far better-educated, far more exposed generation of people, how do we build on these strengths?
I think that we can take this a step forward, that beyond the consultation, I think we should try and build leaders in all parts of our society and enable them to do what they feel passionate about — to create a society in which those who are willing and able are able to say:
“Well, look, there is this particular issue that I care about greatly and I would like to do my part to build this, to resolve this problem or tackle this opportunity.”
BIGGEST UNKNOWN
I think our biggest unknown in the years ahead is going to be the nature of politics in Singapore. We have had 50-over years of very constructive politics. We have been able to keep our society cohesive and united. We have been able to achieve consensus on the large number of short-term as well as long-term issues, and that has allowed Singapore to really make good progress.
Now, will we continue on that journey?
That depends critically on the nature of politics in Singapore. How are we able to mobilise all Singaporeans to take part in this process and, at the same time, to keep politics constructive, forward-looking, so that we can tackle the many challenges and many interesting opportunities ahead.
LEADERSHIP LEGACY
What is very moving about Mr Lee Kuan Yew is his lifelong dedication to Singapore. I would say that Mr Goh Chok Tong and PM Lee have been extremely dedicated, and I think they’ve been equally inspired by Mr Lee to carry forth this.
In terms of what should not change, I hope that that dedication, not just of me, but of my colleagues and all Singaporeans to the Singapore cause will not change.
In fact, we strengthen this sense of togetherness — that we are in this together — and that being an independent nation means something to us. It means that we can go out to create the conditions to enable our people, not just this generation but future generations, to be able to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.
By Rachel Au-Yong, Housing Correspondent, The Straits Times, 29 Apr 2019
His promotion came as no surprise as the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) fourth-generation team had selected Mr Heng to be its leader, and he was appointed the party's first assistant secretary-general last November.
Outgoing DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who will become Senior Minister alongside outgoing DPM Teo Chee Hean on May 1, described the ruling party's leadership renewal as a process that "may be unexciting and predictable", but one that works for Singapore.
As Singapore transitions from its third generation of leaders to the fourth, it is now clear who will succeed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. PM Lee has said he hopes to step down by the time he is 70, which is in 2022.
With a PM-designate and a possible deadline in sight, The Straits Times takes a closer look at the issue of political succession.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET READY FOR SUCCESSION?
A key ingredient of political succession is to have a team of able people in politics, which must then gain sufficient experience helming different ministries.
By doing so, these leaders would be exposed to the workings of the different ministries, take on board various perspectives and solve national issues in a more holistic fashion - this is especially critical as problems get more complex.
One difference between the 4G leaders and earlier generations is that previous leaders had a longer runway to gain experience.
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong had 14 years in politics under his belt before taking over as PM from Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 1990. PM Lee spent 20 years in politics before he assumed the role in 2004.
In contrast, Mr Heng and the man he has asked to be his deputy in the PAP, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, entered politics in 2011. This means they will probably have about 10 years in politics before their generation takes over from PM Lee's.
To make up for the shorter runway, PM Lee has had several Cabinet reshuffles, refreshing his team with younger ministers and rotating them around.
Last April saw a major reshuffle, with younger ministers taking on heavier responsibilities - the changes saw 4G ministers helm 10 out of 16 ministries. At that time, four backbenchers became office-holders to bolster the front bench and three veteran ministers retired from Cabinet: Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Mr Lim Swee Say and Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.
While the public focus tends to be on future prime ministers when it comes to succession, the rest of the Cabinet matters too.
In his memoir, Be At The Table Or Be On The Menu, former DPM and Law Minister S. Jayakumar, an accomplished law professor before he entered politics, recounted how he had wished to step down before the 2006 polls.
But he stayed on until PM Lee could persuade then MP K. Shanmugam to become an office-holder. Mr Shanmugam became Law Minister two years later, and Professor Jayakumar retired from politics before the 2011 general election.
On top of learning how to govern, the country's future leaders must be able to rally the people's support. In his authorised biography Tall Order, Mr Goh said: "It is not governing. The key is, always, can you win elections?... Can you mobilise and will people follow you?"
In the lead-up to the 1984 election, Mr Goh directed the PAP's campaign and drafted a new Cabinet line-up for after the polls. He had also organised the 1980 polls as the party's second assistant secretary-general.
As the designated successor to PM Lee, Mr Heng is expected to take charge of the party's direction for the next election, which must be held by April 2021.
This, alongside more visibility in the spotlight, should give Mr Heng more opportunities to show Singapore how he leads, observers said.
As East Asian Institute senior research fellow Lam Peng Er put it: "People want to know what makes Mr Heng tick. We know that he's consultative, and we found out how conscientious he was in returning to work after he (recovered) from a stroke (which he suffered in May 2016).
"But we want to know more about how he might respond to crises and other issues of the day, what his leadership and thinking styles are like, which we may not have seen as much of because PM Lee is currently at the helm."
It is also important for the next generation of leaders to be known and highly regarded by the international community so that Singapore's presence is felt worldwide, said observers.
Chinese leaders have long regarded founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew as the principal architect of Sino-Singapore relations.
The late Mr Lee is one of a handful leaders who have met all five of China's top leaders - from the late chairman Mao Zedong to current President Xi Jinping.
Mr Goh, meanwhile, is credited with investing in the relationship between Singapore and India, to the point that he is still given a special welcome whenever he visits the country as Emeritus Senior Minister.
PM Lee has continued with his predecessors' approach to foreign policy, establishing warm ties with many nations, including bigger ones such as China and the United States.
Mr Heng and his peers are currently building relationships with foreign leaders.
This month alone, he was in Chiang Rai, Thailand, for the Asean Finance Ministers' Meeting and in Putrajaya for the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat. He also travelled to Washington for the Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, among other meetings in the US.
Having a leader who is well regarded internationally has many upsides, one of which is market stability when the handover happens.
As a small country, Singapore is also reliant on its relationships with other nations - partly to develop a "second wing" for Singapore companies to make the push overseas and also to bring investments, both monetary and intangible, here.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, another 4G leader who has been with Mr Heng on many trips, said the future DPM has been "quietly but effectively engaging leaders in China, US, G-20 and Asean, and our immediate neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia for several years".
"Most, especially those in the financial circles, already knew him from his days at MAS for his astute management during the global financial crisis," said Dr Balakrishnan of Mr Heng, who was former managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
"He always demonstrates seriousness of purpose and quiet confidence during discussions on public policy.
"In his interactions with business leaders, he shows deep curiosity and humility - attributes that encourage more salient conversations. Equally impressive is his relaxed, approachable demeanour with Singaporeans, both overseas and local."
THE CHALLENGES OF POLITICAL SUCCESSION
One of the greatest difficulties of ensuring political succession is convincing able people to step up and join politics in the first place.
The PAP sets a high bar for itself, priding itself on its candidates having both integrity and competence, among other positive traits.
A familiar and frequent lament from PAP leaders is that it is hard enough finding capable people and harder yet to convince them to enter politics under present circumstances, where social media magnifies the public glare.
Describing the increasingly difficult landscape in an interview in January 2015, PM Lee said in Mandarin: " If you ask an ordinary Singaporean whether he is willing to join politics, he may say, this is so troublesome, as it involves not only me, but also my family and my children. Do I really need to do this?"
Another challenge is ensuring diversity in the PAP's team-centric model.
A common criticism is that PAP candidates are overwhelmingly from the civil service or military. A significant proportion who hail from the private sector are mostly lawyers or doctors.
This has led to concerns about groupthink, especially at a time when the populace increasingly has varying and more complex needs.
Mr Heng has said that the 4G leaders will listen to views from Singaporeans with "humility and respect".
In his speech to wrap up the debate on the President's Address last May, he said: "We will consider all views with an open mind and adjust our course accordingly. We will communicate the thinking behind our decisions clearly."
IS THE SINGAPORE SYSTEM UNIQUE?
The PAP has the distinction of being the longest-ruling political party in a democracy, clocking in 60 years this year.
These six decades have been marked by continuity, with each handover almost a non-event.
In fact, the PAP strives hard to make each succession as unexciting as possible.
Unlike other countries, there is no public tussling for the top spot or appointment by the incumbent leader. Rather, each generation of PAP leaders picks who among them will emerge as primus inter pares, or first among equals.
Mr Goh's contemporaries did so over coffee, orange juice and chocolate cake after dinner at then Finance Minister Tony Tan's home in 1984.
In 2004, it was a powwow over a lunch hosted by then Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng at the Istana. The meeting was short because "the choice was clear": PM Lee Hsien Loong.
Mr Heng was told of his peers' decision last October.
After a decision has been made, the PAP leadership throws its weight behind its chosen one.
When Mr Lee Kuan Yew publicly pointed out that his first choice of successor was Dr Tony Tan instead of Mr Goh, many of Mr Goh's peers, including Dr Tan, reaffirmed Mr Goh as their choice.
In other countries, however, there is often infighting. Australia, for example, has seen seven prime ministers in the last decade, many of them ousted by members of their own party.
In Singapore, continuity is also upheld through the practice of having senior ministers who remain in Cabinet and allow younger ministers to tap their experience. There have been four SMs to date - the late Mr Lee, Mr Goh, former DPM S. Rajaratnam and Prof Jayakumar.
Unlike other political parties, the PAP also constantly emphasises the importance of the team over the individual.
As early as in 1966, the late Mr Lee had worried about a "very thin crust of leadership".
Between 1972 and 1980, he and the pioneer generation brought into politics key members of the second-generation team, including Messrs Goh, Ong Teng Cheong, Tony Tan, Lim Chee Onn, S. Dhanabalan, Ahmad Mattar and S. Jayakumar.
When Mr Goh took over, he also started the practice of pre-Cabinet meetings to float ideas and increase rapport among members.
Similarly, PM Lee adopted a "consensual method of decision-making", Prof Jayakumar wrote in his book.
As the 4G picks up more experience - in governing, campaigning and working with one another - the road to the next phase of political succession appears to be clear.
The one hurdle the team will have to clear is the next general election - if they do so, then the handover should be a smooth one.
Interview with DPM Heng Swee Keat
Good jobs for Singaporeans a key focus: DPM Heng Swee Keat
By Adrian Lim, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
Transforming the economy, ensuring inclusive growth and creating good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans amid rapid changes in the global landscape are key areas which Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and his colleagues are focused on in the immediate term.
But the "biggest unknown" in the years ahead is how politics in Singapore will play out, and whether it can be kept constructive and forward-looking, Mr Heng noted.
"We have had 50-over years of very constructive politics. We have been able to keep our society cohesive and united. We have been able to achieve consensus on a large number of short-term as well as long-term issues, and that has allowed Singapore to really make good progress," Mr Heng said, in his first interview since becoming DPM on May 1.
But he noted that political polarisation and fragmented societies are serious problems in many parts of the world, and said the fourth-generation leaders are working on a "normative scenario" to keep politics in Singapore constructive, and the country cohesive and united.
One of the important pieces, he said, will be to engage citizens from different segments of the population, so they can better understand the diversity in society, and continue building on the strengths of Singaporeans by working together with them, from tripartite relationships to community partnerships.
This will build on the legacy left by founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, under whose leadership a multiracial, multi-religious and cohesive society was created, allowing Singapore to tackle many challenges.
Under former PM Goh Chok Tong, now Emeritus Senior Minister, a more open, consultative style was brought in, which has been carried on by current PM Lee Hsien Loong.
Mr Heng, whose appointment to DPM has signalled his standing as the next PM, said he hopes to provide more details in the coming months of an initiative to converse with Singaporeans, to hear their concerns and aspirations.
During a broad-ranging interview discussing his plans and leadership style, Mr Heng said one of his immediate priorities is streamlining the structure of the Future Economy Council and the National Research Foundation (NRF) Board.
Mr Heng, who chairs both boards, said this will provide a clear structure to drive the economic changes Singapore needs, with faster decision-making and the ability to engage business and union leaders more readily.
The Future Economy Council, which oversees skills and innovation efforts, comprises members from Government, industry, unions, and educational and training institutions, while the NRF, part of the Prime Minister's Office, charts the national direction for research and development. "Because technology and innovation is going to drive economic changes so much more than before, I would like to align what we do in our universities in basic research with innovation and enterprise activities," said Mr Heng, who is also Finance Minister.
At the same time, Mr Heng said the Government will look to help small and medium-sized enterprises, which may be too small to adopt expensive technologies on their own, to tap platform solutions.
On economic transformation, he said: "The changes are not just economic; it is also social. If we can create better jobs for our people, it will allow our people to have a better standard of living and better quality of work life."
Mr Heng said when societies become fragmented, they cannot have the political consensus to do the right thing, or undertake "painful measures" necessary for the long term. He hopes that Singapore will not have this kind of politics and, instead, will be prepared to face realities squarely and resolve problems.
Hard decisions are already being made, he said, such as the planned goods and services tax hike by 2 percentage points to 9 per cent, to take place some time between 2021 and 2025. This is to set aside resources for healthcare and an ageing population, among other needs.
Why not spend more of Singapore's reserves? Mr Heng said that the biggest contributor to government revenue is the Net Investment Returns Contribution - up to 50 per cent of the returns on the reserves.
As a country with no natural resources, Singapore's founding leaders and generations have been able to accumulate a "nest egg" of reserves, which is critical to safeguard for future generations.
"One of the key things that our founding leaders and, in fact, generations of leaders and Singaporeans have been able to agree on is to focus on the long term, don't take short cuts, focus on what is important for Singaporeans in the long run, even if it may be painful in the short run," said Mr Heng.
PAP working on election manifesto, list of candidates: Heng Swee Keat
Party is reaching out to different segments of society to collectively shape nation's future ahead of GE
By Adrian Lim, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
Party is reaching out to different segments of society to collectively shape nation's future ahead of GE
By Adrian Lim, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
The People's Action Party (PAP) is working on its manifesto and in the midst of selecting candidates for the next general election (GE), Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Friday.
It is also reaching out to different segments of the population to make sure it is able to understand their concerns, and work with them to shape Singapore's future, he added.
In his first interview since becoming DPM, Mr Heng, the PAP's first assistant secretary-general, said he is working very closely with Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, the party's second assistant secretary-general, in the preparations.
Singapore's next GE must be held by April 2021, and the party's leader, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, had said recently that Mr Heng would play a bigger role in the hustings.
Mr Heng said on Friday: "We are working on the manifesto on how we hope to take Singapore forward in the next five years and beyond."
The party is also in the midst of selecting its candidates. "The party has a policy of renewing our ranks at every election and the work is intensifying," Mr Heng said. "We've had some very good candidates already, but the work is continuing because we still have some time."
The PAP also hopes to be able to convince many of the good candidates, who hail from a variety of backgrounds, to join the party.
"Our society is becoming more diverse and it's important for us to continue to represent that diversity and to make sure that we are able to bring in the views of different segments of our society and, at the same time, to be then able to achieve a consensus that lets us turn diversity into a strength and not let diversity divide us," he added.
Asked if the fourth-generation leaders were confident of bringing people from this diverse group into the fold, Mr Heng said they will certainly try their best.
He acknowledged that it is a lot more challenging as Singapore's economy had grown quite well and the global economy is faring well too. Singaporeans have many opportunities, in a whole range of assignments, locally and around the world.
"What we'll have to do is to convince them that politics is a very meaningful and impactful thing to do and that... if you want to take Singapore forward, one important way is for you to join us so that we can continue to win the trust and confidence of fellow Singaporeans," he added.
During the interview, Mr Heng was also asked about the perspective shared by some younger Singaporeans, that a greater opposition presence in Parliament would be better for Singapore.
Mr Heng said he understands why young Singaporeans, who are exposed to Western media, may think that there should be a certain brand of democracy with two parties and that a single party in power for many years is not a good thing.
But he suggested that they look at the evidence and what is happening around the world.
A case in point is in the United Kingdom. He said he was saddened that even as Singapore is commemorating its bicentennial, having been put on the global trading map following the arrival of Stamford Raffles 200 years ago, the political situation in the UK has become quite fragmented.
"You see the very contentious debates in the British Parliament and in British society about Brexit... The fragmentation is very serious," he said.
"The key question for us in our society is this: How do we include the views of as many people as possible in our governance process and mobilise the energies of the people in our society in our governance?
"It is not a given that having an opposition party, having multiple parties, will result in the best outcome for society."
He noted that in many democracies, politics is almost an auction, where parties compete to promise a "much easier, better life" to win votes. This, he added, is behaving rather irresponsibly, to promise a better future which they cannot deliver, he added.
"It's very important for us not to fall for that, because for Singapore, we have built our society to be so vibrant and successful and cohesive over these years, because we are prepared to do difficult things. We are prepared to take hard decisions," said Mr Heng.
"And many Singaporeans know that. At the end of the day, it is the outcomes that matter, and by coming together we can achieve that outcome. They are prepared for the short-term pains. This is a very important political ethos in our society which we must keep."
DPM HENG ON SINGAPORE’S FUTURE
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat shares his views on the challenges ahead, the need to engage Singaporeans and his hopes for the nation
INCLUSIVE GROWTH
At the May Day Rally, we spoke about how we want to make sure that our growth is inclusive. We want to create opportunities for all segments of our labour force — from the old-age workers to the managers and professional groups.
We are spending a lot of time and effort thinking about these issues, and making sure that we can continue to create opportunities for our young people.
KEY CHALLENGE: POLARISATION OF SOCIETY
Political polarisation is a very serious problem. When I was in Davos as well as recently in the US, I had many discussions with political and business leaders in various parts of society on the changing nature of societies, in different parts of the world, in Europe, in America, in Asia.
What everyone has been very alarmed by is the speed at which society is fragmenting into parts. Many societies cannot have the political consensus to do the right thing.
Even more worrying is that many societies do not take painful measures which are necessary for the long term. Everyone promises that things will be easier, better and sometimes to the point of telling untruths.
I think that that is not the kind of politics that we should have in Singapore. We must be prepared to face realities even if they are harsh, to face it squarely and say, look, how do we go about resolving this, and how do we create a better life, despite these constraints and despite these problems?
ENGAGING SINGAPOREANS
So I am hoping that in the coming months, I will provide some details of how we are going to engage Singaporeans in this effort to understand the concerns of Singaporeans and the aspirations of Singaporeans even better, particularly in specific areas for different segments of our population.
Because, as I said, our society is becoming more diverse. It is important for us to understand this diversity better and for us to mobilise the different groups and to look at what we can do together.
BUILDING ON STRENGTHS
So the question for us is, going forward, how do we build on what Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Goh Chok Tong and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have been doing and build on the strengths of our people? Now that we have a far better-educated, far more exposed generation of people, how do we build on these strengths?
I think that we can take this a step forward, that beyond the consultation, I think we should try and build leaders in all parts of our society and enable them to do what they feel passionate about — to create a society in which those who are willing and able are able to say:
“Well, look, there is this particular issue that I care about greatly and I would like to do my part to build this, to resolve this problem or tackle this opportunity.”
BIGGEST UNKNOWN
I think our biggest unknown in the years ahead is going to be the nature of politics in Singapore. We have had 50-over years of very constructive politics. We have been able to keep our society cohesive and united. We have been able to achieve consensus on the large number of short-term as well as long-term issues, and that has allowed Singapore to really make good progress.
Now, will we continue on that journey?
That depends critically on the nature of politics in Singapore. How are we able to mobilise all Singaporeans to take part in this process and, at the same time, to keep politics constructive, forward-looking, so that we can tackle the many challenges and many interesting opportunities ahead.
LEADERSHIP LEGACY
What is very moving about Mr Lee Kuan Yew is his lifelong dedication to Singapore. I would say that Mr Goh Chok Tong and PM Lee have been extremely dedicated, and I think they’ve been equally inspired by Mr Lee to carry forth this.
In terms of what should not change, I hope that that dedication, not just of me, but of my colleagues and all Singaporeans to the Singapore cause will not change.
In fact, we strengthen this sense of togetherness — that we are in this together — and that being an independent nation means something to us. It means that we can go out to create the conditions to enable our people, not just this generation but future generations, to be able to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.
Building good relations with foreign partners on different levels: Heng Swee Keat
In his first interview since becoming Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat talks about Singapore's relations with other countries, and what it can do to strengthen these ties.
The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
Q HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND THE FOURTH-GENERATION TEAM STRENGTHENING SOME OF SINGAPORE'S PARTNERSHIPS WITH ASEAN AND INTERNATIONALLY, AND BUILDING ON THEM?
A Well, I have been very fortunate that when I was principal private secretary to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, we visited many countries, particularly China and the US, and it is very important for us to continue to maintain good relations with all our partners.
When I was in the Ministry of Trade and Industry as permanent secretary, I was in the trenches discussing many initiatives, including the Asean Economic Community, and I am very glad that we have been able to work together with our closest neighbours in Asean to strengthen the solidarity and resilience in Asean.
Of course it is also a work in progress and we must continue to do so.
We have over the years been building very good relations first with our immediate neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia, and then within Asean, and then with all the key countries in the region.
With all the key countries in the region, like China, we have so many business councils now and will continue to create more.
But just beyond the business councils, we are also looking at many positive areas of collaboration.
I negotiated a free trade agreement with India. It was a difficult set of negotiations but we learnt so much and we see the progress that we have made between India and Singapore, and India and Asean.
Now, we are discussing the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) which will take the 10 countries of Asean together with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. We have had very good relations with all our partners.
I was in Japan last year discussing with many of the officials as well as the bankers because the Japanese are very keen to also look at how they can mobilise the huge pool of savings that they have to catalyse growth in Asean.
They are very keen to share what they have been doing as they deal with an ageing population.
So there are many things that we must continue to learn from others and also to find ways and means in which we can collaborate and that we can agree on outcomes that are positive on both sides, whether bilaterally or regionally.
And I am glad that not just myself but many of our colleagues have been very active travelling around to make friends.
And last year, when we chaired Asean, almost all the ministers had discussions with their colleagues. In my case, I had many good meetings with the Asean finance ministers.
So we must continue to build on this not just at the government-to-government level but also at the business-to-business level as well as at the people-to-people level.
In his first interview since becoming Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat talks about Singapore's relations with other countries, and what it can do to strengthen these ties.
The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
Q HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND THE FOURTH-GENERATION TEAM STRENGTHENING SOME OF SINGAPORE'S PARTNERSHIPS WITH ASEAN AND INTERNATIONALLY, AND BUILDING ON THEM?
A Well, I have been very fortunate that when I was principal private secretary to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, we visited many countries, particularly China and the US, and it is very important for us to continue to maintain good relations with all our partners.
When I was in the Ministry of Trade and Industry as permanent secretary, I was in the trenches discussing many initiatives, including the Asean Economic Community, and I am very glad that we have been able to work together with our closest neighbours in Asean to strengthen the solidarity and resilience in Asean.
Of course it is also a work in progress and we must continue to do so.
We have over the years been building very good relations first with our immediate neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia, and then within Asean, and then with all the key countries in the region.
With all the key countries in the region, like China, we have so many business councils now and will continue to create more.
But just beyond the business councils, we are also looking at many positive areas of collaboration.
I negotiated a free trade agreement with India. It was a difficult set of negotiations but we learnt so much and we see the progress that we have made between India and Singapore, and India and Asean.
Now, we are discussing the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) which will take the 10 countries of Asean together with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. We have had very good relations with all our partners.
I was in Japan last year discussing with many of the officials as well as the bankers because the Japanese are very keen to also look at how they can mobilise the huge pool of savings that they have to catalyse growth in Asean.
They are very keen to share what they have been doing as they deal with an ageing population.
So there are many things that we must continue to learn from others and also to find ways and means in which we can collaborate and that we can agree on outcomes that are positive on both sides, whether bilaterally or regionally.
And I am glad that not just myself but many of our colleagues have been very active travelling around to make friends.
And last year, when we chaired Asean, almost all the ministers had discussions with their colleagues. In my case, I had many good meetings with the Asean finance ministers.
So we must continue to build on this not just at the government-to-government level but also at the business-to-business level as well as at the people-to-people level.
Delegating duties, exercising regularly and taking time to recharge: Heng Swee Keat
In his first interview since becoming Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat talks about how he has been doing since his health scare in 2016 and what he does to relax.
The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
Q YOU RECENTLY SAID THAT YOU HAVE LEARNT HOW TO PACE YOURSELF A LITTLE BIT AFTER YOUR HEALTH SCARE AND YOUR STROKE, SO TELL US HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT PACING YOURSELF NOW? ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE MORE TIME OR LESS TIME AS A DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER?
A Well, I don't think I'll have more time but, in fact, I have delegated a lot more work to (Second Ministers for Finance) Lawrence Wong and Indranee Rajah and they have been extremely good.
So a lot of the Ministry of Finance work, they are now leading major parts of it.
For the Future Economy Council, we are working very closely with (Trade and Industry Minister) Chan Chun Sing as well as (Manpower Minister) Josephine Teo and (National Trades Union Congress secretary-general) Ng Chee Meng on our economic transformation and looking at how we can pull together the different strands of work.
From jobs and skills and the training of our workers to how we can help to redesign jobs, how we can transform our businesses and encourage our businesses to really take the next big step forward.
In the case of the National Research Foundation and the IMDA (Info-communications Media Development Authority), we're working very closely with (Minister for Communications and Information) S. Iswaran to look at how we must take a big step forward in the digital economy because digitalisation is going to change many aspects of our economy.
The way we do it is that I delegate a lot more of this work and then pass on a lot of important work to different ministers.
I must say that we have a very, very good public service. So together with the public service, we are now even better at mobilising business leaders and our volunteers in the charity sectors and different parts of society.
I think we are building new capabilities for us to tackle many more complex and multi-faceted challenges.
So I am spending a bit more time looking immediately at, of course, our coming elections and at the same time, looking at how we can connect better with all Singaporeans.
Q TELL US FINALLY, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX THEN?
A Well, the most relaxing thing of course is when you exercise and I make it a point to do it almost every day and even if I go back late, I have a treadmill at home.
But I spend a lot of time also with my wife walking to different parts of Singapore and, of course, from time to time, taking a holiday to recharge.
I listen to music and I have a reasonably good hi-fi system at home. When time allows I go for some of our SSO (Singapore Symphony Orchestra) concerts at the Esplanade, and these are all very enjoyable activities.
In his first interview since becoming Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat talks about how he has been doing since his health scare in 2016 and what he does to relax.
The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
Q YOU RECENTLY SAID THAT YOU HAVE LEARNT HOW TO PACE YOURSELF A LITTLE BIT AFTER YOUR HEALTH SCARE AND YOUR STROKE, SO TELL US HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT PACING YOURSELF NOW? ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE MORE TIME OR LESS TIME AS A DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER?
A Well, I don't think I'll have more time but, in fact, I have delegated a lot more work to (Second Ministers for Finance) Lawrence Wong and Indranee Rajah and they have been extremely good.
So a lot of the Ministry of Finance work, they are now leading major parts of it.
For the Future Economy Council, we are working very closely with (Trade and Industry Minister) Chan Chun Sing as well as (Manpower Minister) Josephine Teo and (National Trades Union Congress secretary-general) Ng Chee Meng on our economic transformation and looking at how we can pull together the different strands of work.
From jobs and skills and the training of our workers to how we can help to redesign jobs, how we can transform our businesses and encourage our businesses to really take the next big step forward.
In the case of the National Research Foundation and the IMDA (Info-communications Media Development Authority), we're working very closely with (Minister for Communications and Information) S. Iswaran to look at how we must take a big step forward in the digital economy because digitalisation is going to change many aspects of our economy.
The way we do it is that I delegate a lot more of this work and then pass on a lot of important work to different ministers.
I must say that we have a very, very good public service. So together with the public service, we are now even better at mobilising business leaders and our volunteers in the charity sectors and different parts of society.
I think we are building new capabilities for us to tackle many more complex and multi-faceted challenges.
So I am spending a bit more time looking immediately at, of course, our coming elections and at the same time, looking at how we can connect better with all Singaporeans.
Q TELL US FINALLY, WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX THEN?
A Well, the most relaxing thing of course is when you exercise and I make it a point to do it almost every day and even if I go back late, I have a treadmill at home.
But I spend a lot of time also with my wife walking to different parts of Singapore and, of course, from time to time, taking a holiday to recharge.
I listen to music and I have a reasonably good hi-fi system at home. When time allows I go for some of our SSO (Singapore Symphony Orchestra) concerts at the Esplanade, and these are all very enjoyable activities.
Managing change to ensure continuity in Singapore politics
By Zakir Hussain, News Editor, The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
How different are the concerns of Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and fourth-generation ministers from those of generations before? What shifts in leadership style can Singaporeans expect when they take charge in a few years? How might Singapore politics change?
Not too different, going by Mr Heng's first interview with the media since his promotion to DPM this month.
It is, after all, a formula that has worked all these years, and one the 4G team - and many Singaporeans - seem keen to keep to, albeit with perceptible shifts in style.
With societies and political systems around the world becoming more polarised, and trust in governments fraying, Mr Heng is resolved that Singapore continues to buck this global trend.
Two factors are critical for this.
One, a broad political consensus, which can be best achieved through strong support for a party that can decisively shape forward-looking policies to grow the economy and share the fruits of growth, as well as hold society together and build cohesion.
Two, political leaders must be upfront about the trade-offs that have to be made, like the need to raise the goods and services tax to meet long-term spending needs and address challenges such as inequality and an ageing society.
Expect the 4G leaders to make a case for these in the coming months and when the general election comes round. ("We still have some time," Mr Heng says.)
In his first May Day Rally speech last Wednesday, Mr Heng reminded unionists that the symbiotic relationship the People's Action Party (PAP) has forged with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is a critical factor in uplifting the wages, welfare and work prospects of workers - and will continue to be key in the more uncertain job landscape ahead.
In his interview with The Sunday Times and CNA, Mr Heng underscores the need to preserve a broad political consensus here in order to avoid the political polarisation and race to the bottom seen around the world, and to win public support for tough decisions on key issues.
"Everyone promises that things will be easier, better and sometimes to the point of telling untruths. That is not the kind of politics that we should have in Singapore," he says.
"We must be prepared to face realities even if they are harsh... I hope that in Singapore, we can do it well and keep this consensus that we have had for so many years."
Such consensus, he notes, was what allowed Singapore to make good progress over the past 50-plus years. And Mr Heng and his colleagues seem resolved to maintain this continuity.
However, Mr Heng's approach to building this consensus is what could distinguish the 4G from the previous three generations of leaders.
Shortly after being appointed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's Cabinet eight years ago, Mr Heng was tasked to lead a series of conversations with a range of Singaporeans to get their views on the country's future and have them play a role in shaping it.
The SG50 year saw similar discussions.
Mr Heng wants to go beyond consultation, to empowering citizens to step up and take action to shape the Singapore they want.
"Now that we have a far better-educated, far more exposed generation of people, how do we build on these strengths?" he says.
"We can take this a step forward... We should try and build leaders in all parts of our society and enable them to do what they feel passionate about - to create a society in which those who are willing and able are able to say: 'Well, look, there is this particular issue that I care about greatly and I would like to do my part to build this, to resolve this problem or tackle this opportunity.'"
He points out that founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew put in enormous effort to create a multiracial, multi-religious and multicultural society and, under his leadership, Singapore was able to forge the cohesion needed for important challenges and progress.
Mr Goh Chok Tong had a more open consultative style and PM Lee Hsien Loong has continued this open approach.
Mr Heng hopes to build on this.
While society is becoming more diverse, this diversity must be harnessed and turned into a strength - not a source of division.
The 4G leaders plan to engage and better understand the concerns and aspirations of various segments of the population in the lead-up to the election, and beyond.
But the message the 4G aims to send remains the same: Political continuity - and strong support for it - is a plus for Singapore.
By Zakir Hussain, News Editor, The Sunday Times, 5 May 2019
How different are the concerns of Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and fourth-generation ministers from those of generations before? What shifts in leadership style can Singaporeans expect when they take charge in a few years? How might Singapore politics change?
Not too different, going by Mr Heng's first interview with the media since his promotion to DPM this month.
It is, after all, a formula that has worked all these years, and one the 4G team - and many Singaporeans - seem keen to keep to, albeit with perceptible shifts in style.
With societies and political systems around the world becoming more polarised, and trust in governments fraying, Mr Heng is resolved that Singapore continues to buck this global trend.
Two factors are critical for this.
One, a broad political consensus, which can be best achieved through strong support for a party that can decisively shape forward-looking policies to grow the economy and share the fruits of growth, as well as hold society together and build cohesion.
Two, political leaders must be upfront about the trade-offs that have to be made, like the need to raise the goods and services tax to meet long-term spending needs and address challenges such as inequality and an ageing society.
Expect the 4G leaders to make a case for these in the coming months and when the general election comes round. ("We still have some time," Mr Heng says.)
In his first May Day Rally speech last Wednesday, Mr Heng reminded unionists that the symbiotic relationship the People's Action Party (PAP) has forged with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is a critical factor in uplifting the wages, welfare and work prospects of workers - and will continue to be key in the more uncertain job landscape ahead.
In his interview with The Sunday Times and CNA, Mr Heng underscores the need to preserve a broad political consensus here in order to avoid the political polarisation and race to the bottom seen around the world, and to win public support for tough decisions on key issues.
"Everyone promises that things will be easier, better and sometimes to the point of telling untruths. That is not the kind of politics that we should have in Singapore," he says.
"We must be prepared to face realities even if they are harsh... I hope that in Singapore, we can do it well and keep this consensus that we have had for so many years."
Such consensus, he notes, was what allowed Singapore to make good progress over the past 50-plus years. And Mr Heng and his colleagues seem resolved to maintain this continuity.
However, Mr Heng's approach to building this consensus is what could distinguish the 4G from the previous three generations of leaders.
Shortly after being appointed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's Cabinet eight years ago, Mr Heng was tasked to lead a series of conversations with a range of Singaporeans to get their views on the country's future and have them play a role in shaping it.
The SG50 year saw similar discussions.
Mr Heng wants to go beyond consultation, to empowering citizens to step up and take action to shape the Singapore they want.
"Now that we have a far better-educated, far more exposed generation of people, how do we build on these strengths?" he says.
"We can take this a step forward... We should try and build leaders in all parts of our society and enable them to do what they feel passionate about - to create a society in which those who are willing and able are able to say: 'Well, look, there is this particular issue that I care about greatly and I would like to do my part to build this, to resolve this problem or tackle this opportunity.'"
He points out that founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew put in enormous effort to create a multiracial, multi-religious and multicultural society and, under his leadership, Singapore was able to forge the cohesion needed for important challenges and progress.
Mr Goh Chok Tong had a more open consultative style and PM Lee Hsien Loong has continued this open approach.
Mr Heng hopes to build on this.
While society is becoming more diverse, this diversity must be harnessed and turned into a strength - not a source of division.
The 4G leaders plan to engage and better understand the concerns and aspirations of various segments of the population in the lead-up to the election, and beyond.
But the message the 4G aims to send remains the same: Political continuity - and strong support for it - is a plus for Singapore.
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