By Jeremy Au Yong, Political Correspondent

THE ruling People's Action Party (PAP) will have the next generation of political leaders in place by the next general election in 2011 or 2012, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.

Some candidates, including potential office holders, have been identified, he said, but the team that can one day take over from him and his senior colleagues is not complete now.

The hunt for successors, including someone who could be Singapore's fourth prime minister has been a constant on PM Lee's agenda from the time he succeeded Mr Goh Chok Tong in August 2004.

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