04-08-2021, 06:56 PM
Heng Swee Keat takes himself out of the running for Singapore PM, cites short runway, age and health as factors
![[Image: heng-swee-keat-apr-8--2021-press-conference--1-.jpg]](https://cna-sg-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/image/14581548/16x9/670/377/c6a550209befd01acf13284d12dfad27/Dx/heng-swee-keat-apr-8--2021-press-conference--1-.jpg)
SINGAPORE, April 8 — Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat has taken himself out of the running for the top job, two-and-a-half years after emerging as the frontrunner to succeed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Conveying his decision in a letter to PM Lee today, a copy of which was sent to newsrooms, Heng, who is also finance minister, said that he would have too short of a runway — given that he would be near his mid-60s when he takes over as prime minister after the Covid-19 crisis is over.
It would thus be in Singapore’s best interests for a younger member of the Cabinet to steer the country forward.
Heng, who turns 60 this year, will also relinquish his finance minister portfolio at the next Cabinet reshuffle, which is expected to be announced in about two weeks. He will stay as deputy prime minister and coordinating minister for economic policies.
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