SINGAPORE, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong indicated Friday that he would be ready to hand his post to a new Prime Minister in 2 to 3 years times.
Speaking in a televised speech on the day of the new Cabinet's swearing in, Goh said, "In two to three years' time, our economic growth should have resumed. By then, the new crew should be ready to take over the leadership baton. A smooth handover is the goal I am working towards."
The government has just won another five-year term following the victory of the People's Action Party (PAP) in the Nov. 3 polls.
Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the son of the Island-state founder Lee Kuan Yew, is widely expected to succeed Goh. DPM Lee is currently deputy prime minister and finance minister, as well as the chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Lee's father ruled Singapore for 31 years until 1990 when he stepped down to take his current position as senior minister in the Cabinet.
"I am constructing a through-train leadership for 2007," Goh said in his speech, adding the core members of this 2007 leadership team were now in place.
"They have to lead Singapore through testing times. First, we have to get through this acute recession. At the same time, we have to begin the remaking of Singapore, while upholding the values which form the bedrock of our society, integrity, meritocracy, compassion and mutual respect between Singaporeans of different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds," Goh said.
