The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has Captain America: Civil War.
The DC Universe has Batman VS Superman.
And now, it appears that the Singapore universe has its own rendition—
Chan Chun Sing as Prime Minister (PM): Yes or No?
S’poreans Start Online Petitions to Say Both Yes & No to Chan Chun Sing as Next PM
It was only a matter of time before discussions began in earnest.
After all, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat’s withdrawal from the race to be the next PM really has been the hottest topic over the past few days.
But what most may not have expected would be an entire ‘”civil war” to pop up in his absence.
Or to be more exact, an ongoing debate on whether Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing should be next in line for the PM seat.
For those unaware, the Minister was elected by DPM Heng as his deputy back in 2018.
So logically speaking, he would be the next in line for this “throne”.
But netizens, it seems, are divided in regards to the decision.
And they have since made their causes known.
Some Cry “No!”
The opposing party, a user terming themselves “Singaporeans First”, has started a petition called “Say NO to Chan Chun Sing for PM!”
Stating a fear that PM Lee would, once again, push Minister Chan for the position, “Singaporeans First” is campaigning for a number of votes to deter such a decision from ever taking place.
Thus far, 5,239 individuals have already signed the petition. The numbers are still growing.
Netizens on this side of the debate have also expressed a number of reasons for the opposition, with some claiming that Minister Chan lacked certain values to be PM.
“His lack of gravitas, empathy and humility makes him a very poor choice for the nation’s top executive position,” one said.
Another also brought up Minister Chan’s infamous speech leak, which features a number of less-than-positive moments.
Some Shout “Yes!”
Meanwhile, the pro-Chan Chun Sing party, which was started by a certain “Love SG”, is campaigning for Minister Chan’s election as PM.
It should be noted, however, that the party’s cause is a little… unconventional.
(But we have noticed a certain trend in the names of these petition-starters.)
“Chan Chun Sing for PM! Singapore’s Favourite Educated Beng! Need I say more? Lai come support!” writes the petition.
“Love SG” then went on to list down Minister Chan’s qualifications and accomplishments.
Thus far, 835 individuals have pledged their allegiance to the Chan Chun Sing cause, and the numbers continue to grow.
Netizens on this side of the fight have also vouched for Minister Chan’s eligibility, with several expressing positive personal dealings with the PM.
“Based on my personal experience with Minister Chan as a NSman and subsequent interactions, I can comfortably say that I can trust him to be my leader in all circumstances,” one wrote.
“It will be a sad day for Singapore, if our next PM is decided by those who have no direct dealings with him, or those who are easily influenced by populist personalities.”
Do These Petitions Even Matter?
In the end, the petitions are unlikely to cause a huge upset in the whole debate. Pledging your signature would also be little more than a mere visual show, with the relevant authorities unlikely to take it into consideration.
Nevertheless, the petitions have certainly kicked off unrest in the nation, with opposing sides of the camp in conflict over Singapore’s best interests.
Meanwhile, here’s what Minister Chan himself had to say about the topic:
“When DPM Heng chose me as his deputy in 2018, and the team supported it, now that DPM has decided to step aside as the leader of the 4G, the 4G team should be given the opportunity to re-look at the question of succession holistically. And we will make a collective decision on who will be the next leader of the 4G in due course.
“Now having said that, I must add that our leadership succession plans goes beyond just choosing a leader. It is more than that. It is always about finding and forming the strongest team possible for Singapore, so that Singapore (has) the best chance to defy the odds of history, to not only survive, but to thrive. And that we will continue to do and that is what our entire team is committed to do for Singapore and all Singaporeans.”
DPM Heng
Just recently, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat dropped a bombshell that would shock even the most politically apathetic Singaporean:
He will not, contrary to popular beliefs, be our next prime minister.
Instead, he will step aside as the leader of the fourth-generation PAP so a younger one can take his place.
The revelation was announced on 8 April 2021.
Apparently, DPM Heng first informed PM Lee Hsien Loong of his move in a letter before announcing it in a press conference on the same day.
In his letter, DPM Heng noted that Singapore’s first three prime ministers all took on the post when they were younger than he is now.
“The next Prime Minister should have a sufficiently long runway – to master the demands of leading our nation; formulate and see through our longer-term strategies for our country; and win the confidence and support of Singaporeans to build this shared future together,” he wrote.
“This year, I am 60. As the crisis will be prolonged, I would be close to the mid-60s when the crisis is over. The 60s are still a very productive time of life.
“But when I consider the ages at which our first three Prime Ministers took on the job, I would have too short a runway should I become the next Prime Minister then”, he added.
“After careful deliberation and discussions with my family, I have decided to step aside as leader of the 4G (fourth-generation) team, so that a younger leader who will have a longer runway can take over,” DPM Heng said.
DPM Heng also mentioned the stroke he had in 2016, which prevented him from carrying out his duties for several months.
While he’s in good health today, DPM Heng said it is in the country’s best interest for someone who is “younger to tackle the huge challenges ahead.”
Subsequently, the decision was duly accepted by PM Lee, who stated that he understands and respects Mr Heng’s decision.
Despite the turn in events, Mr Heng will remain DPM and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies.
He will, however, step down as Minister of Finance at the next Cabinet reshuffle, which will take place in around two weeks.
As for who’s taking over, the 4G team said during a press conference that they’d make the announcement in due course.
When Minister Chan Chun Seng was asked whether he would be the successor since he’s next in line (he’s the Second Assistant Secretary-General of the PAP), he said the same thing as well:
The announcement will be made in due course.
But if you’re interested in checking out the four strongest contenders for the PM position, click here.
Feature Image: Facebook (Chan Chun Sing)