PM Lee urges Singaporeans to build consensus on the country's future

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has stressed the need for Singaporeans to build a consensus on the future they want. 

In an interview on the Singapolitics website, Mr Lee said what Singapore will be in 20 years depends on Singaporeans. 

Asked if the ruling People's Action Party will be dominant in future, Mr Lee said the question is whether Singaporeans can come to a consensus on the direction they want to go. 

If yes, then there can be one party that has a strong mandate, that can work on behalf of the citizens effectively. 

He cited countries like the US and India where divisive politics have led to gridlock and dysfunction, which can happen to Singapore. 

Mr Lee noted that coming to an agreement is harder now because interests are more diverse. 

He said the country needs to build more strongly that sense of being Singaporeans together. 

It's a serious question, which he urged citizens to focus on. 

On whether he sees himself still as the Prime Minister when he's beyond 70 years old, Mr Lee, who's 60 now, said if he still is, then something is seriously wrong. 

He said Singapore needs a younger prime minister who is in tune with the present generation. 

Asked if he sees a potential PM in the current cabinet, Mr Lee would only say it's early days.