Singaporean PM Says He Will Step Down at Least 2 Years before Next Election

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, August 18, 2003

Singaporean PM Says He Will Step Down at Least 2 Years before Next Election

Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said in Singapore on Sunday that he will give his successor at least two years to establish himself as prime minister before the next general election.

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Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said in Singapore on Sunday that he will give his successor at least two years to establish himself as prime minister before the next general election.

Goh made the remarks when delivering his National Day Rally speech at the culture center of the National University of Singapore.

Goh said in his 13th National Day Rally speech as prime minister that he has taken quiet soundings from cabinet ministers and members of parliament on whom they would choose to head the next generation of the Singaporean leadership.

"The clear consensus is Lee Hsien Loong, who is also my choice," said Goh.

"Ideally, I would like to give my successor at least two years to establish himself as prime minister before he fights the next general election," the prime minister added.

He said that he should hand the leadership to Lee Hsien Loong, who is now 51, while the later is still "young and vigorous."

"But I am not stepping down yet. My immediate priority is to get Singapore out of the economic gloom," said Goh.

He was referring to a series of economic restructuring initiatives the Singaporean government has been embarking on in recent months.

The most recent Singapore general election was held in late 2001, and the next one is expected to come by 2007.

Goh became prime minister of the city state in 1990 at the age of 49.

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