After he is sworn in, DPM Lawrence Wong (right) will be Singapore’s fourth prime minister, succeeding PM Lee Hsien Loong. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
SINGAPORE – Singapore will have a new prime minister on May 15, with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong set to take over from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on that day.
The date for the handover was announced in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on April 15, a key detail in Singapore’s long-planned leadership transition from the third-generation to the fourth-generation (4G) political team.
After he is sworn in at 8pm on May 15 at the Istana, DPM Wong, who entered politics 13 years ago, will be Singapore’s fourth prime minister.
In a Facebook post, PM Lee said leadership transition is a significant moment for any country.
“Lawrence and the 4G team have worked hard to gain the people’s trust, notably during the pandemic,” he said. “Through the Forward Singapore exercise, they have worked with many Singaporeans to refresh our social compact and develop the national agenda for a new generation.”
PM Lee said the 4G team is committed to keeping Singapore working well and moving ahead, and asked that Singaporeans give DPM Wong and his team their full support to jointly create a brighter future.
DPM Wong, 51, has been the presumptive next prime minister since April 2022, when he was picked by his peers as the leader of the People’s Action Party’s 4G team.
More at The Straits Times
'I have done my duty': PM Lee looks back on 40 years in politics in his last major speech
In his last May Day Rally speech at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Wednesday (May 1), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong thanked Singaporeans, fellow Ministers, Members of Parliament and union leaders for their trust, confidence and support throughout his time serving Singapore.
"It has been my great honour to have served you, including as your PM," said Lee, who also shared that this is his 40th year in politics.
"I have strived to lead you and to govern Singapore in the way you deserve, to mobilise Singaporeans to show what we can do together."
Addressing a crowd of over 1,700 people including unionists from the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Lee, 72, said that he has also prepared a leadership team to succeed him, one that deserves the confidence and support of Singaporeans.
"As I prepare to hand over Singapore in good order to my successor, I feel a sense of satisfaction and completeness," he added.
"I have done my duty, and I am very happy that I chose this path of public service all those years ago."
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, 51, will be taking over the premiership from him in two weeks' time.
Lee also said that leading a country isn't a "one-man job", but the combined effort of a national team.
Expressing his gratitude, Lee added that he has been humbled by Singaporeans' trust, confidence and support.
"To all of you, I say a very big thank you," he said.
Lee then bowed twice before his fellow Singaporeans, visibly tearing up as he waved and smiled.
He said he will continue to support the new PM, expressing his confidence in Wong and his team.
Lee said: "I ask all Singaporeans to rally behind them and work together to make Singapore succeed, for your sake. That is our path forward to steward Singapore to the best of its ability, so that the next generation can take over a better Singapore, and in turn lead our nation onwards and upwards."
More at https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/i-have-done-my-duty-pm-lee-hsien-loong-looks-back-40-years-politics-his-last-major-speech-may-day-rally-lawrence-wong-ntuc