Commentary: Lawrence Wong’s priorities as new Singapore Prime Minister and the two key milestones to watch

Commentary: Lawrence Wong's priorities as new Singapore Prime Minister and the two key milestones to watch

WHO WILL BE LAWRENCE WONG’S Assistant?

His appointing as the new prime minister will be carefully watched, particularly in relation to the appointment of his deputy or representatives.

There is still a lot of weight placed on this crucial determination, despite the fact that no one is expecting any surprises and social regularity is the norm here.

After the handover, Mr. Wong announced to the media on Tuesday ( Apr 16 ) that there will be no significant changes to the rest of the line-up for the time being. He also stated that there will be no significant changes to the rest of the line-up for now.  

Our program operates using steady, incremental shift. Never have the older ministers stage over simultaneously during a leadership transition, he said. He did, however, say that he” will also consider bringing in a few politicians to strengthen the team” and that he” will likewise look at possible offers.”  

Former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong revealed in his book Tall Order that Mr. Ong Teng Cheong was his decision as his assistant when he was forming his second Cabinet. However, when he and his mentor, the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, discussed this, the first did not do well and questioned him about the decision.

Mr. Goh claimed that Mr. Lee was considering the future, and that Mr. Lee Hsien Loong had more possible than Mr. Ong to become prime minister.

Mr. Goh changed his mind and appointed two deputies, with Mr. Lee Hsien Loong serving as the first deputy prime minister and Mr. Ong as the next assistant.

The rest is history, as they say, but it demonstrated just how politically important these first Cabinet choices may turn out to be.

When making this choice, Mr. Wong may undoubtedly have an attention on the future.