Speaking to state media reporters, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that he need more time to choose his successor. The indecisive son of Lee Kuan Yew said that he will not be appointing a new Deputy Prime Minister by 2018.
“No new deputy prime ministers will be appointed during the Cabinet reshuffle, which would take place after this year’s Budget in February. My assessment is, it probably will take a little bit longer… I would not be able to say for certain that it will be settled within the next six to nine months, but it will have to be done in good time. ”
PM Lee Hsien Loong also slammed his predecessor Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong who advised that the next PM should be selected by 2018:
“ESM Goh is speaking with the privilege of watching things rather than being responsible to make it happen. I think we know it’s a very serious matter.”
When questioned if he had anyone in mind, PM Lee brought out a quote from his dead father to deflect the question:
“The team works together and they have one – 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.”