Goh told reporters however he will leave it to Deputy Prime Minister Lee to spell out the details of his new role a day or two before the handover of power on August 12.

"I think it's best for the new prime minister to announce that. We intend to announce this on the 10th or 11th next month," he said.

Goh, who will step down after 14 years in office, also clarified that the number two official behind the prime minister in terms of protocol is the senior minister, a post currently held by Singapore's still powerful founding father Lee Kuan Yew.

Before that, it had been widely perceived in Singapore that the post of deputy prime minister -- traditionally held by two officials -- was second in the line of power.

"Number two in terms of protocol is the senior minister. Prime minister comes first and the senior minister comes second," Goh said, adding the two deputy prime ministers are third in line.

He clarified however that whenever the prime minister travels abroad, either one of the two deputy prime ministers, not the senior minister, will be appointed as acting leader.

Goh's comments followed a media interview on Monday in which Lee Kuan Yew said the outgoing leader would take the influential post of senior minister.

The elder Lee, the country's first prime minister who handed power to Goh in 1990, said he would retreat to the role of an adviser but he will most likely remain in cabinet.

Goh however brushed aside suggestions the presence of two former prime ministers in the cabinet would restrict the new premier's room for maneuver.

He recalled he had also acted independently despite the presence of Lee Kuan Yew.

"I can tell you that Mr Lee Hsien Loong makes up his own mind. He takes our inputs and makes up his own mind, even inputs from Lee Kuan Yew," Goh said.

While Goh left it to his successor to spell out his role, he gave a glimpse of his future plans, saying he would like to use his experience to further improve international ties.

This would allow the new prime minister to focus on domestic issues before he embarks on the international front.

Goh said one of his plans is to develop Singapore's relations with the Middle East by building on his recent trip to Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and Iran.

The Middle East is "an area where we have not had sufficient attachment until now," he said.

"Fortunately for us, the Arabs are also looking towards the east to expand their economic and diplomatic space in a way. So there is a convergence of interests.

"I would like to see how we can develop further this dialogue which we have started with these countries."

Goh added he plans to spend time pushing for a closer relations between Asia and the Middle East.

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