Background plus update on how we end up with a PM.
The Westminster model that Singapore follows unlike the Presidential model that US and France does not directly elect the Political Leader of the country. The Westminster model relies on voters picking their MPs and the MPs from the winning team (holding the majority of seats) pick their leader to be the PM. Typically the choice is by political parties picking their leaders well before the elections so voters have taste of a PM candidate.
Parliamentary caucuses have famously removed their reigning PMs such as Thatcher, and the last 3 PMs of Australia.
Old Man to avoid ridicule from the 1st World, the majority whom follow the Westminster model formed his own version of the caucus or pseudo caucus. He knew he could influence the a smaller group than the entire sitting PAP MPs. The impression created is that this caucus of new leaders picked their own leader is BS. TT had already indicated that he does want the pole and wants to go back to OCBC - a family obligation. GCT was already groomed hence his MID role well before they met in TT's house.
Update
Now the 16 man pseudo caucus has its own problem. After a few rounds, it appears that endorsing a PM designate picked by the PM has hit a few barriers. Apparently HSK was top of mind even at the time he entered the GE. This was more or less confirmed when he was named to full minister immediately without precedence. This was also a time when LHL tenure not to continue was not on cards.
The primary objections from some of the 16 is interestingly couched in pseudo and politically safe reasons - "CCS is not in the mind of Singaporeans yet", "he might not get the support of Singaporeans who are not ready or prepared for him", "we need to ensure that CCS is given credit for some important accomplishments"
The above might explain why Indranee made those comments - cryptic or otherwise.
Those who have issues are also stuck as HSK is no longer keen and there are not many other choices. Lawrence Wong is someone that both camps are prepared to accept but not for this GE. Ong apparently is loathed by nearly all for his naked self interest and being an attention whore. Apparently the guy is in a state of shock to find out recently no one has approached him for anything.
Then again, surprises in politics is never ending.
The Westminster model that Singapore follows unlike the Presidential model that US and France does not directly elect the Political Leader of the country. The Westminster model relies on voters picking their MPs and the MPs from the winning team (holding the majority of seats) pick their leader to be the PM. Typically the choice is by political parties picking their leaders well before the elections so voters have taste of a PM candidate.
Parliamentary caucuses have famously removed their reigning PMs such as Thatcher, and the last 3 PMs of Australia.
Old Man to avoid ridicule from the 1st World, the majority whom follow the Westminster model formed his own version of the caucus or pseudo caucus. He knew he could influence the a smaller group than the entire sitting PAP MPs. The impression created is that this caucus of new leaders picked their own leader is BS. TT had already indicated that he does want the pole and wants to go back to OCBC - a family obligation. GCT was already groomed hence his MID role well before they met in TT's house.
Update
Now the 16 man pseudo caucus has its own problem. After a few rounds, it appears that endorsing a PM designate picked by the PM has hit a few barriers. Apparently HSK was top of mind even at the time he entered the GE. This was more or less confirmed when he was named to full minister immediately without precedence. This was also a time when LHL tenure not to continue was not on cards.
The primary objections from some of the 16 is interestingly couched in pseudo and politically safe reasons - "CCS is not in the mind of Singaporeans yet", "he might not get the support of Singaporeans who are not ready or prepared for him", "we need to ensure that CCS is given credit for some important accomplishments"
The above might explain why Indranee made those comments - cryptic or otherwise.
Those who have issues are also stuck as HSK is no longer keen and there are not many other choices. Lawrence Wong is someone that both camps are prepared to accept but not for this GE. Ong apparently is loathed by nearly all for his naked self interest and being an attention whore. Apparently the guy is in a state of shock to find out recently no one has approached him for anything.
Then again, surprises in politics is never ending.
