SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has agreed to continue serving as Senior Minister in the upcoming new Cabinet, which would only see major changes after the next General Election, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said.

“For this moment, though, there should not be any major changes because our system works on the basis of continuity and progressive change,” Mr Wong told reporters on Tuesday (April 16).

Mr Wong, who is also Finance Minister, was speaking to the media for the first time since the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday announced that he will officially be taking over the country’s leadership reins from Mr Lee in a month’s time on May 15.

Mr Wong also said that a new Cabinet will be sworn in together with him that day, and the lineup will be unveiled a few days before, with a few possible promotions to be expected, including that of backbencher Members of Parliament (MPs).

‘NEVER BEEN THE CASE’ OLDER MINISTERS STEP DOWN WITH PM

Mr Wong said on Tuesday that “it has never been the case” in Singapore where all older ministers step down at the same time whenever there is a leadership transition.

“Instead, they continued to contribute in different ways while making room for the younger ones to step up.”

Mr Wong will thus adopt a similar approach and he is “glad” that Mr Lee — who has led Singapore for 20 years — has agreed when asked to continue serving in the Cabinet as Senior Minister.

“The other ministers will continue to serve in their respective portfolios. Some of them were just appointed recently, so there's really no reason to change,” Mr Wong said, adding that the Government also has a full agenda for the rest of its current term.  

Mr Wong disclosed that he is still in the process of engaging the ministers individually because he would have to take into account their considerations and what they would like to do as part of the team.

He told reporters that the “bigger changes to the Cabinet lineup will likely happen only after the next General Election” — due by November 2025 — since he “would not be able to bring in people from outside to join the team” until then.

“I'm already in the midst of looking for new candidates, especially those with potential to hold political office,” he added.

The last major Cabinet reshuffle was in June 2022, which saw Mr Wong promoted to Deputy Prime Minister.

Asked to elaborate on his considerations for the Cabinet lineup, Mr Wong said that he wanted some continuity to “build on what we have today” and “reinforce what works well”.

“But I also want change because we should re-examine and refresh our current approaches and be prepared to break new ground in order to adapt more effectively to a rapidly changing environment.” 

Eventually, Mr Wong wants a “good balance” between experienced ministers and new Cabinet members with fresh perspectives.

“For now, the broad shape of the team remains intact,” he said, adding that Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean will also remain in Cabinet after the handover.

“Depending on the outcome of the General Election, there will be an opportunity to renew and strengthen the team with new members. And this will be one of my key priorities, which is to form the best possible team to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.” 

READY FOR GENERAL ELECTION AT PRESS OF A BUTTON

Mr Wong was also asked on Tuesday whether the conference and 70th anniversary of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) this November would affect the General Election timing and if the conference would be an occasion to rally and take stock of support for the party.

In response, Mr Wong, who is also deputy secretary-general of PAP, said that the party conference and general elections are “two different things altogether”.

He said that preparations for the next election “starts the day after the last election”.

“We have to consistently tend to the ground, attend to the needs of residents and strive to win over their hearts and minds,” he added.

“And if we do that, if all our branches do that, then we really don't have to anticipate or second-guess when the elections are called because whenever the button is pressed, we will be ready for the campaign.”

He also thanked Cabinet members and MPs for placing their confidence in him as their next leader, and paid tribute to Mr Lee.

“I stand on the shoulders of giants and one in particular stands out, and that's Mr Lee Hsien Loong.” 

He noted that Singapore’s economy has grown tremendously under Mr Lee’s leadership, with Singaporeans enjoying steady improvements in their income and standard of living.

The nation has also weathered many crises and emerged stronger each time, with its international standing and the “Singapore brand” strengthening.

“So on behalf of all Singaporeans, I thank Mr Lee Hsien Loong for his selfless service to our country, and lasting contributions to Singapore.”