Heng Swee Keat has pledged his support for the new leader of the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) 4G team, Lawrence Wong, in a Facebook post.
He described Wong as being a leader who brings people together, and has the conviction to do what is right for Singapore.
He added that Wong has a big task ahead of him, and that he has the wholehearted support of the team.
Here is what he said on Facebook
The 4G leaders have agreed that Lawrence Wong is the best person to lead us in these challenging and rapidly changing times. I am very glad that he has accepted this responsibility.
Lawrence and I entered politics at the same time, and both of us started at MOE. There, I appreciated his work creating opportunities for our young people as Chairman of the Committee on University Education Pathways Beyond 2015.
Shortly after I went to MOF, I asked Lawrence to join as Second Minister. He was a strong addition to our team, and I enjoyed working closely with him and Indranee on Budgets to support our businesses and people.
When the pandemic hit, I spoke to Lawrence to co-chair a Multi-Ministry Task Force with Gan Kim Yong. Lawrence agreed readily. He was an indispensable pillar in MOF’s work throughout our pandemic Budgets, as well as a calm and thorough leader in our pandemic responses.
I therefore had full confidence in Lawrence when he took my place as Minister for Finance last year. I was impressed when he delivered his maiden Budget this year — it was not an easy Budget to deliver, but he did so with verve, steadiness, and a sense of fairness.
What we need is a next leader who has the well-being of Singaporeans and Singapore at heart, who has the integrity and commitment to serve, and the ability to forge new paths and bring people together.
I believe that Lawrence has these qualities. I have found him to be a leader who considers things carefully, is able to bring people together, and has conviction to do what’s right for Singapore.
As importantly, Lawrence has the runway to eventually succeed PM. We have had a challenging few years. In the coming years, we will need to navigate even more changes that will affect Singaporeans.
Lawrence has a big task ahead of him. He has my whole-hearted support and confidence, as well as the support of his peers. Please give him your whole-hearted support. Remember too that each of us has a role to play in the future of Singapore. Together, we can take Singapore forward!