It is seeking at least 20 men and women in their 30s and 40s, says SM Lee

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THE government is now looking for at least 20 good men and women to groom as the fourth generation of leaders to see Singapore through to 2015, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew said Feb 6.

He said it was important for a new core of younger leaders in their 30s and 40s to stand for the coming elections so that they would have time to cut their political teeth and build up experience as members of parliament before becoming ministers.

Speaking at a Chinese New Year dinner at Tanjong Pagar Community Club, Mr Lee noted that the third generation leaders -- Lee Hsien Loong, Wong Kan Seng, Mah Bow Tan, Yeo Cheow Tong, George Yeo, Lim Hng Kiang, Teo Chee Hean -- were MPs in the 1980s and early 1990s.

"By the 2007 elections, a new team under a new prime minister should be in charge. By then, they would have more than 15 years' experience. You will notice that it has taken one or two election terms, or five to 10 years, for an MP to become an experienced minister with the grasp and judgement to manage crises."

Mr Lee also stressed the need to "reinforce the third generation team, and ensure that the team starts to nurture among itself the nucleus of a fourth generation".

"In the next general elections, we will need to field at least another 20 such men and women. They will bring that fresh burst of energy, enthusiasm and new ideas necessary to carry Singapore forward," Mr Lee said.

He added that Singapore owes its success to a "hard core" of committed and dedicated Singaporeans. "Singapore has thrived and prospered for the benefit of all because of this strong centre. That we have self-renewed our leaders and injected fresh blood at every election has kept the government vigorous and vital. They inspire confidence in our investors."

He noted that foreign direct investment commitments here for the first half of 2000 exceeded pre-crisis levels, while FDI approvals in the region were still only about two-fifths, or less, of pre-crisis levels.

"I hope that those who are being asked by the ministers to be candidates will not lightly turn down this call to duty," Mr Lee said. "If we do not renew this crucial core of younger leaders, we will not be able to manage future crises so effectively. Without honest and strong people at the centre of government, your businesses, your professions, your jobs, everything will be at risk."

Commenting on the regional situation, Mr Lee said the "outlook has turned grey". Indonesia is embroiled in a political crisis, while in Malaysia, there are signs of "increasing Islamic religiosity", he noted.

"The region's uncertainties will pose major challenges to Singapore over the next decade. At the same time, the digital revolution and the life sciences are transforming the world and our lives," the senior minister pointed out. "We must bring in younger leaders, well-versed in this New Age economy and better able to get Singaporeans to ride on the wave of changes that will accompany this knowledge-based economy."