SINGAPORE, Nov 9 — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he hopes the outlines of the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) fifth generation of leaders will emerge by the next general election.

Wong, who is also the party’s secretary-general, made the remarks at the PAP’s awards and biennial convention, where he addressed more than 1,800 party activists, according to The Straits Times.

“We now have a Cabinet made out largely of 4G (fourth generation) ministers with some 3G (third generation) veterans. Before too long, it will be a 4G cabinet with a few 5G (fifth generation) ministers,” said Wong.

“There’s no time to waste. You have to give the next generation enough time, time to learn, to prepare, and importantly, to earn the confidence and trust of fellow Singaporeans,” he said.

He added, “If you miss one cycle, you lose five years. That’s a lot of time.”

Wong said the PAP must continue to renew its ranks and attract capable Singaporeans with the conviction to serve.

“I am still looking for capable Singaporeans with the conviction to serve, to join us in this mission, and I hope to attract more potential office holders who are prepared to step forward to serve in politics,” he said.

The next general election must be called by 2030.

Wong said renewal must never stop and the party must engage more widely with Singaporeans from all segments of society.

He noted that in the previous term, he was one of the youngest in Cabinet.

He now has more younger colleagues, including acting ministers Jeffrey Siow and David Neo, and ministers of state Dinesh Vasu Dash, Jasmin Lau, Goh Pei Ming and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.

Wong said the younger ministers bring fresh energy, new perspectives and a strong commitment to public service.

He noted that they are leading major policy reviews, representing Singapore internationally and building deeper connections with fellow citizens.

Wong recalled a conversation in 2006 when he was principal private secretary to then-prime minister Lee Hsien Loong.

He said he told Lee they could finally take a breather after the general election.

“But he said, no, there is still a lot of urgent work to do, especially to renew the party,” Wong said.

“I was a bit surprised, and I was thinking to myself... Why the rush? You have just secured your first election as prime minister. Surely you have time.”

“Now it’s my turn. Now I understand the urgency,” he said. 

Wong said the party made good progress at the recent election, bringing in 27 new MPs.

He named three — Dr Hamid Razak and Cassandra Lee from West Coast-Jurong West GRC, and Hazlina Abdul Halim in East Coast GRC — and shared their efforts in their wards.

He said the new MPs have made their presence felt, built strong relationships on the ground and made tangible improvements for residents.