Goh Chok Tong you mean?
Anyway he seems bit too independent and power-hungry to be a seat-warmer. There is a reason why LHL likes NCM so much, think he wants people obedient to him one.
Not sure how did LW became PM, imo he is unlikely to guai guai listen to LHL. The LKY-GCT dynamics is unlikely to be replicated with him and LHL.
The fact that LW made GKY the sole DPM quite telling liao, plus now only LHL senior minister no more TCH to keep a lookout on LW.
Xiasuay was the front runner even b4 2020's erection. But unlike the other 4G candidates, he lacks family backing. Before East Coast Plan became the frontrunner, it was clear that Xiasuay was the strongest contender.
2019 ECP became DPM - and he's in the running for PMship.
2019 Nov ECP's "recuse" gaffe - it's obvious he cmi.
2020 Feb Audio leak of Xiasuay - kicking him out of the lace for PMship.
2020 Jul GE
2021 Apr ECP withdrew from consideration for PMship in future.
The other 4G candidates jostled but no clear front runner could be seen.
So the surprise compromise candidate Liang Po Po was given the nomination.
Is Xiasuay out of the lace? Has he given up? Who nose? I am not a fly on the wall and I dun have any Deep Throats either.
[deletected paragraph on similarities to other countries becos keep international politik out of EDMW]