DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Individuals
Social observers speculated that Mr. Wong’s election as prime minister could lead to his replacement as Deputy Prime Minister, and that Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, and Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who are all potential prospects.
According to Dr. Leong Chan-Hoong, a senior fellow for social cohesion studies at the Nanyang Technological University, present Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat could well keep his place in Mr. Wong’s new government more than having two new titles.
Heng Swee Keat, the cabinet reshuffle leader, “has certainly done a great job overseeing economic challenges. I wo n’t be surprised if he continues to serve as DPM who oversees economic development,” he continued.
According to independent social observer Felix Tan, whoever succeeds Mr. Wong as Deputy Prime Minister will likely have experience in that field.” Defence is also essential for Singapore,” said the independent political spectator.
He suggested that Mr Chan could be a possible candidate, having served in the Singapore Armed Forces from 1987 to 2011 before joining elections.
However, according to Assistant Professor Ong, there have been debate about Mr. Shanmugam becoming the deputy prime minister in charge of stability.
He made note of Teo Chee Hean, the Coordinating Minister for National Security, who formerly served as the Deputy Prime Minister.
“Either Senior Minister or Deputy Prime Minister- I think Minister Shanmugam would be an ideal member,” said Asst Prof Ong.
Mr. Singh, the former MP, claimed that because of his connections to both the 3G and the 4G command, Mr. Shanmugam may make a good prospect.
Mr. Shanmugam can be that person who provides the bridge, he said. It is important to have some consistency in the new team.
Because he collaborated strongly with Mr. Wong on the COVID-19 work power, Mr. Ong may also be in the running for deputy prime minister, according to Asst. Prof. Ong.
Assuming they had a great working marriage, Mr Ong would be an “appropriate candidate” for the position, he added.
According to the experts, it would also be fascinating to see which senior officials action over and which junior ministers receive promotions.
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Minister for Defense Ng Eng Hen, both of whom have the longest tenures in the Cabinet, were cited by Assistant Professor Ong.
We do anticipate that those who are stepping down will be the ones who will do so, he said, adding that those two are the two most likely candidates.
WHAT Does PM LEE accomplish future?
According to the experts, Mr. Lee will most likely remain in the Cabinet and serve as a leader to younger MPs and social office holders.
“We can expect Mr Lee to play an important role in the new Cabinet, perhaps as a Minister Mentor, ” said Mr Singh.
When Mr. Goh took over as Prime Minister in 1990, founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was appointed Top Minister. The delayed Mr. Lee assumed the role of Minister Mentor when Mr. Goh was appointed as a Senior Minister in 2004.
” I think our officials are rational, they don’t only palm over and leave the scene, ” Mr Singh added.
The new leaders do n’t want to lose the experience of the previous ones as soon as they take over. ”