Lawrence Wong picked as the leader of Singapore's 4G team, paving way for him to be next PM

LAWRENCE Wong has been chosen to be the leader of Singapore's 4G team by the Cabinet Ministers, and the decision was endorsed by the ruling party's members of parliament (MPs), Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong announced on Thursday (Apr 14).

He said in a statement: "This decision on succession is a crucial one for Singapore. It will ensure the continuity and stability of leadership that are the hallmarks of our system. The ministers recognise that the right to lead cannot be inherited. Mr Lawrence Wong and his younger team will continue to give their best to Singaporeans, and justify their trust and support."

Wong said in a post on Facebook shortly after PM Lee's announcement: "My colleagues in the 4G leadership have stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in the fight against Covid-19. The experience of the past two years has cemented our cohesiveness and strengthened our resolve to steward Singapore safely through this crisis and beyond.

"It is my privilege to be called upon to lead this team. I will do my utmost to uphold this responsibility. But as we have been reminded many times, the right to lead cannot be inherited. Together with the rest of the 4G team, I will continue to serve Singaporeans wholeheartedly, and strive to earn the trust and support of each and every one of our fellow citizens."

With him as the 4G leader, this paves the way for him to become Singapore's next PM.

Former Cabinet minister and People's Action Party chairman Khaw Boon Wan was tasked by PM Lee to start a process involving the ministers, parliament speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, to gather their personal views in confidence and facilitate a new consensus on a 4G leader.

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PM Lee and the 2 Senior Ministers' views were not sought on the matter.

Khaw noted that the overwhelming majority of those consulted supported Wong, who is currently the Finance Minister, as the 4G leader.

Khaw briefed Cabinet ministers, Tan and Ng on his findings, and all endorsed the decision for Wong to lead the team. The chosen candidate was later presented to and endorsed by People's Action Party MPs on Thursday evening.

PM Lee will adjust Cabinet appointments, now that Wong has been selected.

Deputy PM Heng Swee Keat requested to step aside as the leader of the 4G in April last year.