SINGAPORE (Nov 23): Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party tapped Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat as the de facto successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday, kicking off the city-state’s third leadership transition in its 53-year history.

Heng, 57, was named the PAP’s first assistant secretary-general -- widely seen as second in command to Lee -- at a meeting of the party’s central executive committee, the party said on its website. Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, 49, became second assistant secretary-general, and Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, 59, the party chairman.

“Leadership transition is always a complex and delicate matter,” Lee said in a Facebook posting. “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 said

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