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4G leaders say they are 'working closely' to choose PM's successor in good time

SINGAPORE — The Republic's fourth generation leaders released a joint statement on Thursday (Jan 4) on the issue of political succession, saying they are aware of the urgency and "will settle on a leader from amongst us in good time".

Opening of the 13th Parliament of Singapore. TODAY file photo

Opening of the 13th Parliament of Singapore. TODAY file photo

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SINGAPORE — The Republic's fourth generation leaders released a joint statement on Thursday (Jan 4) on the issue of political succession, saying they are aware of the urgency and "will settle on a leader from amongst us in good time".

On Sunday, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong expressed his hope for the identity of Singapore's next Prime Minister to be decided in the next six to nine months. Writing on his Facebook page, Mr Goh said an "urgent challenge" which he would like to see settled is the country's fourth-generation leadership.

As speculation mounts over the identity of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's successor ahead of a cabinet reshuffle this year, the statement — signed off by 16 People's Action Party political officeholders — said in response to media queries: "Political stability has been the hallmark of Singapore and smooth leadership succession has instilled confidence amongst Singaporeans and our friends around the world."

It added: "The younger Ministers are keenly aware that leadership succession is a pressing issue and that PM Lee intends to step down after the next General Election. We are conscious of our responsibility, are working closely together as a team, and will settle on a leader from amongst us in good time."

The statement was signed off by:
- Minister in Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing
- Senior Minister of State (Communications and Information and Health) Chee Hong Tat
- Culture, Community and Youth Minister Grace Fu
- Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat
- Senior Minister of State (Trade and Industry and National Development) Koh Poh Koon
- Social and Family Development Minister Desmond Lee
- Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli
- Education Minister (Schools) Ng Chee Meng
- Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung
- Senior Minister of State (Communications and Information and Education) Janil Puthucheary
- Senior Minister of State (Finance and Law) Indranee Rajah
- Trade and Industry (Industry) Minister S Iswaran
- Senior Minister of State (Culture, Community and Youth and Trade and Industry) Sim Ann
- Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin
- Minister in Prime Minister's Office Josephine Teo
- National Development Minister Lawrence Wong

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