Singaporean PM says recent political scandals will not delay leadership renewal

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday stressed that the country's leadership renewal plan is on track and recent scandals involving political figures will not delay his timetable.

In July, Singapore's Transport Minister S. Iswaran was put under investigation for corruption, while Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and a parliament member resigned over an affair.

While delivering a speech at the city-state's National Day Rally, the prime minister vowed to deal with the cases thoroughly and transparently.

Recounting his plan to hand over power in 2022, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lee said his succession plans are back on track.

Lee added that his task is to support the country's fourth-generation leadership team and expressed his confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

The prime minister also called on Singaporean people to support Wong and his governing team.

During his speech, Lee promised measures to improve people's well-being, including a 7 billion Singapore dollars (over $5 billion) to support low- and middle-income people born before 1973, fair and affordable policies for public flats, and building elderly-friendly communities.

(Xinhua)