Sources say the choice for the crucial first assistant secretary-general (ASG) post – potentially Singapore’s next prime minister – has narrowed to two: Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat and Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, The Straits Times reports.
In Singapore, the prime minister occupies the secretary-general post, which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has held since 2004.
The front runners for Singapore’s next prime minister are expected to be given the post of ASG.
Three days ago, the ruling People’s Action Party’s (PAP) renewed its top leadership ranks, marking the start of Singapore’s next phase of political renewal that will see fourth-generation leaders at the helm.
Deputy Prime Ministers Teo Chee Hean, 63, and Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 61, were first and second ASGs in the previous central executive committee (CEC). Both stepped down from the new CEC, which will lead the party into the next general election which has to be called by January 2021.
PAP is expected to announce its line-up of office-holders within two weeks.
