SINGAPORE — Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said on Thursday (April 14) that he was humbled and grateful for the trust and confidence of his colleagues, after being named the leader of the fourth generation of Singapore’s political leadership, or 4G.

“It is my privilege to be called upon to lead this team. I will do my utmost to uphold this responsibility,” he wrote on Facebook.

“But as we have been reminded many times, the right to lead cannot be inherited.”

Mr Wong said that since 1959, when Singapore held its first General Election as a fully self-governing state, the country’s model of political leadership has never been about one person, but the team.

“My colleagues in the 4G leadership have stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in the fight against Covid-19. The experience of the past two years has cemented our cohesiveness and strengthened our resolve to steward Singapore safely through this crisis and beyond,” Mr Wong said.

“Together with the rest of the 4G team, I will continue to serve Singaporeans wholeheartedly, and strive to earn the trust and support of each and every one of our fellow citizens.”

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in a Facebook post shortly after he announced the 4G leadership team's pick of Mr Wong, expressed his confidence that Mr Wong and the 4G team will continue to give their best for Singapore and Singaporeans.

“Singapore will always need a strong team in charge, with a leader who can bring others together, and draw out the best of each team member,” Mr Lee said.

“This decision is a crucial one for Singapore. It will ensure the continuity and stability of leadership that are the hallmarks of our system.”

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, who before Thursday had been regarded as a contender for the country's top job, also commented on the 4G leadership's decision to name Mr Wong as first among equals.

“Congratulations to Lawrence Wong! Am glad the team has come to a decision on the succession,” Mr Chan wrote on Facebook.

“I deeply appreciate the camaraderie that we have shared over the years and look forward to continue working closely with him and the team to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead of us,” said Mr Chan, who entered politics alongside Mr Wong in 2011.

Mr Chan said that although Singapore has begun emerging from the pandemic, there remain many geopolitical and economic uncertainties and social challenges that the country will have to overcome.

“The 4G team will continue to work closely together with Singaporeans to improve their lives while seizing opportunities to leave behind a better Singapore for future generations.”

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/humbled-and-grateful-lawrence-wong-says-he-and-4g-team-will-strive-earn-sporeans-trust-and-support-1873506