2024 Wrapped The biggest political stories of the year, and what's next

A once-in-a-generation handover of power, court cases involving two prominent politicians, and a refresh by the ruling party ahead of its 70th anniversary – it was an eventful year for politics here, even as a much-anticipated general election has to wait for the new year.

- Wong Pei Ting Correspondent and Anjali Raguraman

Here are six of the top political stories of 2024, and what can be expected in 2025:

1 4G LEADERSHIP HANDOVER

Mr Lawrence Wong was sworn in as Singapore's fourth prime minister on May 15, with the transition to the fourth-generation (4G) leadership completed on Dec 4 when he was elected secretary-general of the People's Action Party (PAP) by the party's top body.

He named his first Cabinet on May 13 with key portfolios largely unchanged, save the appointment of Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong to deputy prime minister.

Alongside Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, DPM Gan would provide a steady hand during the initial transition and help mentor the younger office-holders, said the then incoming prime minister.

A more significant Cabinet reshuffle can be expected after the general election, as PM Wong said he plans to rotate the younger 4G ministers to different portfolios to give them wider exposure, should the PAP be re-elected.

With the two deputy prime ministers being seasoned hands, it is not yet clear whom PM Wong considers his key 4G lieutenants. But the PAP's latest internal appointments could provide some clues.

Notably, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing and National Development Minister Desmond Lee stayed put as assistant secretaries-general.

Mr Chan was also promoted from vice-chairman to chairman of the headquarters executive committee, a party post previously held by PM Wong.

2 COURT CASES INVOLVING S. ISWARAN, PRITAM SINGH GRIPPED THE NATION

High-profile criminal cases involving former transport minister S. Iswaran and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh caught the imaginations of Singaporeans in 2024.

Iswaran, 62, pleaded guilty to five charges on what was to have been the first day of his trial, obviating the need for what many had expected to be a long-drawn-out legal battle over charges that included corruption.