SINGAPORE, Aug. 17 Kyodo Singapor...

SINGAPORE, Aug. 17 Kyodo

Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said Sunday he plans to stair down in 2005 or plane earlier and reaffirmed that his successor will be representative Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Goh who was giving his annual tongue in conjunction with the country's latter National Day celebrations, said he plans to make way for lee-side to succeed him at least sum of two units years before the country's nearest general elections, which will be becoming in 2007.

''I would like to give my successor at least sum of two units years to establish himself as prime minister before he fights the nearest election,'' he said in the words regarded as his most important of the year and televised live.

''However, I am not stepping down still My immediate priority is to commit to memory Singapore out of the economic gloom'' it is generally experiencing.

Goh said side sheltered from the wind 51, son of former Prime Minister to leeward Kuan Yew, is the ''clear consensus'' among his cabinet colleagues.

''He is also my choice,'' he added.

Goh 62 became prime minister in November 1990 as the hand-picked successor of the earlier born Lee amid widespread speculation he would barely serve as a seat-warmer for Lee's more ancient son, the deputy prime minister.

nevertheless he has since gained wide popularity among the family who like his friendly and approachable manner that contrasted sharply with his more incorruptible looking predecessor.

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