In a momentous announcement, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed on Sunday, November 5th, that he will pass the baton of leadership to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong before the next General Election, which has be called by November 2025.
Mr. Lee, who is also the People’s Action Party (PAP)’s secretary-general, expressed his intention to do so by the PAP’s 70th birthday on November 21st, the following year. This announcement has significant implications for Singapore’s political landscape and the PAP’s future.
Mr. Lee’s announcement unfolded before an audience of over 1,000 party members at the annual PAP awards and convention held at the Singapore Expo. The event was marked by speeches from various political figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and several new PAP faces.
Mr. Lee’s address to PAP members not only clarified the timeline for the leadership transition but also emphasized its connection to the upcoming General Election. With Mr. Wong’s endorsement as the leader of the 4G team, there remains a critical decision to be made: Should the handover take place before or after the next General Election?
Two Possible Scenarios
- Post-General Election Handover: Mr. Lee’s first option is to continue leading the party in the next General Election, which would be his fifth as Prime Minister, and then hand over the reins to Lawrence Wong soon afterward.
- Pre-General Election Handover: Alternatively, Mr. Lee could hand over leadership to Lawrence Wong before the General Election. In this scenario, Lawrence would lead the party into the campaign, secure his own mandate, and take the country forward with the full backing of the nation.
The Complexity of Leadership Transition
Mr. Lee acknowledges that leadership transition is a complex and delicate process. There are many variables to consider, and Singaporeans, as well as the international community, are closely watching this development. The success of this transition is paramount to the future of the nation.
Mr. Lee’s decision was not made in haste. He carefully evaluated the situation and held extensive discussions with Lawrence Wong and the ministers from both the 3G and 4G teams. Lawrence Wong and the 4G team have been actively serving for several years, taking on increasing responsibilities, and playing a pivotal role in Singapore’s response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.