Singapore PM names new finmin, reshuffles cabinet as succession question looms

Lawrence Wong

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong named Lawrence Wong, tipped as a contender to be future premier, as the new finance minister in a broader cabinet reshuffle which comes at a time when the country is resetting its leadership succession plan. Wong, the face of the Singapore government's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, is among a crop of younger political figures who have been touted by analysts as potential successors to Lee. He is currently education minister and second minister for finance. Wong replaces Heng Swee Keat, whose unexpected move to step aside as the country's leader-in-waiting, has raised uncertainty over who will succeed Lee, 69, when he retires. Lee, who had signalled he would delay his plan to retire by 70 to see Singapore through the Covid-19 pandemic, has said he will stay on until a successor is chosen.