Heng Swee Keat confirms he will not contest GE2025, cites need for generational renewal

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat has announced he will not seek re-election in the upcoming General Election 2025 (GE2025). The confirmation came in a Facebook post published just an hour after the close of nominations at 12pm on 23 April 2025. In the post, Heng wrote that he believes “now is the right time to make way for a new team of capable individuals who are well-placed to serve Singapore.” This announcement brings to a close nearly 15 years of Heng’s service as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister. Alongside Heng, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean will also not be contesting in GE2025, officially marking the departure of two key figures from the fourth-generation leadership cohort. In his message, Heng addressed the residents of East Coast GRC and expressed strong support for the new People's Action Party (PAP) team contesting in the constituency. The slate will be led by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong. Other members include Tan Kiat How, Jessica Tan Soon Neo, Hazlina Abdul Halim, and Dinesh Vasu Dash. They will face a team from the Workers’ Party led by former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Yee Jenn Jong. “I am confident that they will serve with heart and strength,” Heng said of the PAP East Coast team. “I urge our East Coast residents to give your strong support to them.” Reflecting on his public service career, Heng recalled his 45-year journey that began with National Service and continued through the Singapore Police Force, the Administrative Service, and eventually politics. Among his most formative experiences, he cited his tenure as Principal Private Secretary to Lee Kuan Yew. Describing it as a “deeply inspiring” period, Heng said he witnessed Lee’s unwavering dedication to Singapore’s survival and success. Though initially reluctant to enter politics, Heng said he was persuaded by then-Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and then-Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to join in 2011, following the Global Financial Crisis. They convinced him that political leadership was necessary to effect changes beyond the civil service’s reach. Heng first contested in Tampines GRC in 2011 and later moved to East Coast GRC, where he became anchor minister in 2020. He also referenced his stroke in 2016, describing his recovery and continued public service as a second chance at life. Heng expressed gratitude to medical professionals at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the National Neuroscience Institute for their role in his recovery. He highlighted key milestones of his political career, including stints as Education Minister, Finance Minister, and Chairman of the National Research Foundation. He also led pandemic-related budget efforts and chaired the Future Economy Council and the Emerging Stronger Taskforce. “I hope that I have made a difference for Singapore and Singaporeans,” Heng said. He thanked volunteers, public servants, and citizens who contributed ideas during initiatives such as Our Singapore Conversation and Singapore Together. In 2021, Heng stepped aside as leader of the PAP’s fourth-generation team, citing the need for a younger leader with a longer runway. He reiterated his confidence in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who entered politics alongside him in 2011. “PM Wong and I have been working closely together since. He has won Singaporeans’ trust and grown in confidence and stature,” said Heng. He urged Singaporeans to give Wong a strong mandate in the coming election, describing the current period as a “turbulent time” requiring steady leadership. Heng concluded his post with gratitude, saying, “It has been my honour and privilege to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.” He added, “Let us continue to work together as one people to bring Singapore forward and to greater heights.” GE2025 is shaping up to be a defining election, with several key contests, including in East Coast GRC and Punggol GRC. In Punggol, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who shifted from Chua Chu Kang GRC, will lead the PAP team against the Workers' Party’s “star catch”, senior counsel Harpreet Singh.