SINGAPORE — Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will step aside as the designated successor to current premier Lee Hsien Loong, in an unexpected decision that disrupts the city-state’s succession plans.
“We need a leader who will not only rebuild Singapore post-COVID-19 but also lead the next phase of our nation-building effort,” Heng said in a letter published on Thursday.
Heng, who will turn 60 this year, is set to give up his portfolio as finance minister at the next cabinet reshuffle expected in about two weeks.
Succession in the wealthy Southeast Asian city-state – which has been governed by the People’s Action Party (PAP) sin…
Keep on reading: Singapore deputy PM unexpectedly steps aside as future premier, in succession setback