Leadership handover to happen ‘when we're ready’, priority now on pressing issues such as cost of living: DPM Wong

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong told business leaders at a global conference on Monday (Sept 26) evening that he will take over the mantle of leadership from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a time when both he and the People's Action Party's fourth generation (4G) team are “ready for it”.

For now, Mr Wong, who is heir apparent to Mr Lee, said during a dialogue session at the Forbes Global CEO Conference that his priority is focusing on the pressing issues that Singapore faces, which is “taking up a lot of my time”.

Mr Wong said these are matters related to cost of living, preparing for a possible economic slowdown next year, and ensuring that Singapore navigates through the ongoing pandemic successfully.

Mr Wong was responding to a question from Mr Rich Karlgaard, editor-at-large of Forbes Media, about his relationship with Mr Lee and whether the two had discussions about the leadership transition, and when Mr Wong thought it might occur.

Aside from questions about leadership, the dialogue also included questions related to Singapore’s economy, geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, and Singapore’s relationship with its Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) neighbours.