Working together to serve the people and lead Singapore forward

A group of 30 younger office-holders also issued a statement, that they endorsed Mr Heng as their leader and Mr Chan as his second-in-command. The group said: “We have a diverse team, comprising members with different experiences, as well as complementary skills and strengths.

"We will continue to work cohesively as a team, and forge a strong partnership with all Singaporeans. We are united in our purpose of serving Singaporeans to the best of our abilities." said the group.

What distinguishes the Singapore team from other countries, is the fact that we have a very cohesive team and that is the hallmark of our leadership style.

-- Mr Chan Chun Sing, 2nd Assistant Party Secretary-General

Prime Minister Lee said he supported the decision of the younger team and described Mr Heng and Mr Chan as a ”strong pairing”. He said the election of the new CEC for the 2019-2020 term is a "major step forward" in the Party's political renewal.

Mr Lee is confident that the younger team will continue to grow in experience and touch, and steadily win the confidence and trust of Singaporeans.

"Leadership transition is always a complex and delicate matter," said the PM. "A smooth transition to the new team to lead us beyond the next elections is important not only for the PAP, but also for Singapore's future.”

He added that the older ministers will do their best to help the new team succeed. Calling for the entire party to give their whole-hearted support, he added: "All of us in the new CEC, older or younger, will work together to build a strong and united party that will continue to serve the people and lead Singapore forward."