Singapore prepares for political transition next month

Producer: Melanie Yip
First broadcast: 28 July 04, Radio Singapore International

Singapore is preparing for political transition, with Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong taking on the reins of Prime Minister next month.

Outgoing Prime Minister, Goh Chok Tong will take on the number two role in the new government.

This was revealed by Singapore's Senior Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, in an interview with Reuters on Monday. Senior Minister Lee will also be in the cabinet.

So in terms of protocol, is the position of Senior Minister higher than that of the Deputy Prime Minister?

Melanie Yip puts this question to political observer, Associate Professor Lee Chun Wah (LCW) from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

LCW: "I think in the Singapore political context, the Singapore Minister's role is significant. And going by protocol, it is number two. So, I'm not surprised that Mr Goh Chok Tong is going to take this number two role."

How will Singapore benefit from having two former Prime Ministers in the cabinet?

LCW: "In my view, because we are a very small country, and we have a small pool of political talent, this will probably be a very good way for us to tap into the political experience, and knowledge of these two former Prime Ministers in the new cabinet."

Why has Singapore had two Deputy Prime Minister's traditionally? What has been the difference in their role in the past?

LCW: "I think the reason why Singapore has had two Deputy Prime Ministers in the past is basically to help out in the workload in the cabinet. As you know, the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong was also a Deputy Prime Minister, and Mr Lee Hsien Loong was a Deputy Prime Minister as well. They play a complementary role, in a sense that, when one is overseas, the other can take charge of the administration at home and vice versa. I think that as our economy expands, we need as many hands and brains as we can have. So I don't think that we need to worry about the issue of whether to have two Deputy Prime Ministers."

But has their role in the past been different in terms of having the same designation as Deputy Prime Minister, but performing different duties?

LCW: "I don't think there is a significant difference in the duties they perform, or the specific roles that they play. I think it is to spread out the work, and to tap on each other's experience and background. I think that would be the way for us to position ourselves in this new era."

Do you see the tradition of having two Deputy Prime Ministers likely to continue?

LCW: "That one is always a big question mark. Since now, Mr Lee Hsien Loong is going to be the Prime Minister, and Goh Chok Tong is going to play the number two role. As for whether we are going to have one or two Deputy Prime Ministers, this is up to Mr Lee to decide. But beyond the near term, I don't think we need to have two Deputy Prime Ministers. Probably, we need to have one Deputy Prime Minister, and consolidate all the workings of the cabinet and administration. That is assuming from the medium term onwards."

Do you anticipate drastic changes in the cabinet when it is announced. Are some ministers likely to step down and others promoted?

LCW: "My view is according to tradition, when the current administration plans things quite well and they go for a smooth succession and political renewal. I think some of the elderly ministers will step down, and move some of the younger ones up. These young ministers will be given the opportunity to run first hand, some of the government functions."

And what is the likelihood of a women being brought into the cabinet?

LCW: "I personally hope that there will be one, if not more, woman minister, if not, a woman Minister of State to be brought into cabinet. I think because of the social demographics of Singapore, we need to bring some of our women Members of Parliament into cabinet. I think we are always hoping to bring a woman into a full ministerial level. But so far, we have not had a woman Minister of State to work along side a full cabinet Minister. So this may be a good way to orientate the women politicians into cabinet by appointing her Minister of State to work along side a full cabinet Minister, to get into the rhythm of that particular ministerial work."