The 2015 General Election showed the importance and relevance of a politician having the ability to articulate his party's manifesto and ethos well.

Voters would find such a politician credible and worthy of support.

This is the case in the top leadership of the ruling party, particularly its anchor man, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

His eloquence and statesmanship in national and international affairs were key to winning his party the resounding victory in this election. The fact that he was able to make himself heard above the clatter from the unprecedented number of opposition candidates deserves commendation.

I hope all the above will be his selection criteria for the man he chooses to be his successor.

A lower standard would make that prime minister's connection with an increasingly discerning Singaporean population more trying.

Jolly Wee