The Big Read: Singapore’s political succession goes beyond finding the next Prime Minister.

Reflect on this excerpt from Channel NewsAsia. Turn insights into intercession:

“Given the larger-than-life presence and aura of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew – which were to a large extent carried over by Mr Goh and PM Lee themselves – there is high public interest and expectation surrounding the identity of the next Prime Minister. 

“For now, the big question on who the next Prime Minister is has been put on the backburner, but observers believe that, on the surface, Mr Chan Chun Sing has the inside track.

“Still, Mr Heng Swee Keat and Mr Ong Ye Kung remain very much in the running, they pointed out – especially if the succession pathway this time is different. Any one of the three could become Prime Minister, supported by the other two and the rest of the 4G leadership. 

“While the current timeline could be too short when viewed through conventional lenses, there is ample time to prepare a team to steer the country forward, led by a Prime Minister who is able to get the best out of it, observers said. 

“National University of Singapore political scientist Bilveer Singh noted that it is important but not sufficient for the next Prime Minister to have led key ministries well: ‘Even more important is his ability to work with and gain the respect of his peers, and for them to gel together as team,’ he said.

“‘This is the PAP’s DNA and political culture … Hence, it does not really matter who is the number one as long as all work for the same team.’

“PAP cadre Eric Low added: ‘A strong leader is always necessary to steer the team … in the right direction and implement well-suited policies … A leader who is able to win the respect of his team mates would naturally be treated as a first among equals by his teammates.

“‘The 4G collective leadership will play an important role in the era to come,’ said Mr Low, who had previously contested under the PAP banner in the 2001 and 2006 General Elections. 

“PM Lee said as much himself in January: ‘Maybe it’s the way that the media and public politics is played in many countries nowadays, it’s personalised as one person. And the face becomes familiar. And you think that everything is done by that person. Actually it’s not … there’s a team.’ 

“Speaking to Singapore reporters at the end of his trip to New Delhi for the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit, he added: ‘The team works together and they have one, as Mr Lee Kuan Yew said, striker. Now you have to strike from time to time, but you’re really also sometimes spokesman on behalf of the team, bringing together a collective wisdom and giving voice to that. And I think in the next team, that aspect of it will have to be even more important.’

“Two weeks ago, PM Lee again stressed that the issue of political succession goes beyond finding the person most suited for the top post. 

“Speaking at a conference in Shanghai, he pointed out that many qualities are needed for national leadership and it would be unrealistic and impossible to find a single candidate with the qualities and able to do it all. He said: ‘We need to find a capable team who can work closely together, who can inspire the people’s confidence and bring the nation forward, carve out a new path and make Singaporeans proud.’” (Kelly Ng, Channel NewsAsia, May 1, 2018)