Only 1 in 5 surveyed confident of 4G leaders, Blackdot Research study finds

Only one in five Singaporeans who participated in a survey conducted by market research consultancy firm Blackdot Research has expressed confidence in the fourth-generation (4G) political leadership in tackling three main challenges that lie ahead for them, namely employment, the revitalisation of the economy post-COVID-19, and social security.

The poll was conducted in the wake of Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat’s announcement on 8 Apr regarding his move to step aside as leader of the ruling People’s Action Party’s 4G team, raising speculation as to who would replace him as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s successor.

According to Blackdot Research’s findings, more than half of the 300 respondents — at 56 per cent — were more inclined to feel negatively affected by Mr Heng’s decision to step aside as a 4G leader.

31 per cent were neutral, while 13 per cent were positively affected by the news.

Blackdot Research found that 60 per cent of respondents indicated a lack of confidence in the 4G ministers’ ability to lead the country.

While Mr Heng had suggested a younger candidate would be more suitable to succeed Mr Lee, only 3 per cent of respondents picked youth as a must-have trait.

Of the top three challenges that 4G leaders must tackle, 69 per cent of respondents cite providing jobs for Singaporeans as a priority. 65 per cent answered that reviving the economy is a top concern. 53 per cent said that social security is one of the most pressing issues that the 4G leaders must address.

Around half of the respondents do not have the confidence in the current government to lead the country out of the COVID-19 crisis.

On the other hand, 33 per cent are confident that they could, while 18 per cent are neutral.

Among the traits sought by respondents in a future PM, 71 per cent answered integrity, while 62 per cent look for empathy. 40 per cent of respondents want decisiveness in a future PM.

Source: Blackbox Research

Who are the 4G political leaders? These are the names of the “4G leaders” who signed a statement to accept DPM’s decision to stand aside as the leader of the 4G team.

Correction: The previous article had named the survey company as Blackbox Research, instead it should have been Blackdot Research.