Speaking at a media conference on Friday (Nov 23) after he was announced as the People's Action Party (PAP) first assistant secretary-general, Mr Heng, 57, highlighted the need for a strong, collective leadership among the 4G team given that governing the country is a "massive" responsibility. Mr Heng's appointment sets the stage for him to take over Mr Lee, 66, as the PAP's secretary-general, as well as the prime minister after the next General Election, which is due by April 2021. Describing the third leadership transition in the country's history as a "significant milestone", Mr Heng said that Singaporeans "would like to see a strong and united political leadership, working in close partnership with our people" to take the country forward. "I am deeply conscious of the heavy responsibility I'm taking on. Leading the party and governing Singapore is a massive and complex task," he told reporters before taking questions during a lively press conference. "No one person can do it alone."