Singapore is watching the impact of the new omicron variant “very closely” and may be forced to roll back some easing measures it had taken to open up the economy, according to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
“We are not sure yet, but we may well be forced to take a few steps back before we can take more steps forward,” Lee said in a speech on Nov 28 at a convention by his ruling party. “But despite all this, I’m confident we will find a way to living with the virus and safely resume all the things we love to do.”
Singapore has been easing border restrictions as part of a wider plan to take an endemic approach to the virus, similar to that of many other countries.
But with the emergence of the new variant, several governments are taking fresh cautionary measures.
Israel and the UK have already imposed new travel restrictions to curb the spread of omicron, and Europe has discovered cases of the new variant across the continent. Singapore will require travellers via land from Malaysia to take an antigen rapid test upon arrival when the vaccinated travel lane comes into effect on Nov. 29, the government said in a statement Sunday.
In addition, Lee said the team in the ruling party that will choose the country’s next premier is expected to take a “little longer” to make a decision due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The choice is expected “well before” the next general election, Lee said during a speech Sunday at a convention for his People’s Action Party. The party has been on a search for his successor since heir apparent Heng Swee Keat stepped aside earlier this year, citing the need for a younger leader.
“As the situation stabilises, settling on my successor will be an important matter which cannot be put off indefinitely,” said Lee. The team handling the succession “will need a little longer to make a decision,” he said.
Singapore has long been known for stability, especially drama-free leadership handovers, making it alluring to investors and setting it apart from some other nations in the region. While the date of the next general election is yet to be decided, the party is possibly facing the most complicated succession planning in its history.
Photo: Bloomberg
