DPM Wong's pick of deputies the safe choice, say observers

Having two experienced DPMs will be pivotal in mitigating uncertainty, they say

- Jean Iau

In selecting two experienced ministers as his deputies in his first Cabinet, Singapore's next prime minister Lawrence Wong made a safe choice for both the country and the People's Action Party (PAP), observers said.

They noted that the leadership transition from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Deputy Prime Minister Wong occurs at a time of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, with a general election to be held within the next 18 months.

DPM Wong, 51, who will be sworn in as Singapore's fourth prime minister on May 15, will continue as Finance Minister.

He announced on May 13 that his two deputies will be Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and current Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, 63.

Describing Mr Gan's promotion as a "political masterstroke", Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at Solaris Strategies Singapore, said having two experienced DPMs will be pivotal in mitigating uncertainty and unpredictability in the governing of Singapore.

"This is a principled pragmatist Cabinet that will continue playing a pivotal role in enhancing the domestic social compact and navigating the Singapore vessel in external waters amid both geopolitical and geo-economic headwinds and tailwinds," he added.

PM Lee's first Cabinet in 2004 also comprised two deputy prime ministers who were senior to him- Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam and Professor S. Jayakumar.

Several observers said, though, that the choice of Mr Gan in particular came as a surprise.

SMU associate professor of law Eugene Tan said that while Mr Gan is deserving, well recognised and even-tempered, not appointing a contemporary as one of his DPMS could lead some to wonder if it is because DPM Wong could not find a peer he can work closely with and whether the 4G (fourthgeneration) team "lacks cohesion and unity".