Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to take over as Singapore’s Prime Minister from Lee Hsien Loong on May 15, 2024. The Prime Minister’s Office announced the transition in a statement released on April 15, stating that PM Lee will formally advise President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to appoint Wong as his successor. Wong has received the unanimous support of the People’s Action Party (PAP) Members of Parliament.
The handover plans have been in the works for some time, with PM Lee announcing at the PAP Awards and Convention 2023 that he would be handing over leadership to Wong. The transition is set to take place no later than the upcoming General Elections, which is due no later than November 23, 2025.
In his speech, PM Lee expressed his full confidence in Wong and his team, stating that there is no reason to delay the political transition. Wong, in turn, declared that he is ready for his new assignment and shared his approach to leadership, which includes finding common ground among Singaporeans and forging consensus in a diverse society.
Wong acknowledged that he would have to make tough decisions from time to time, but promised to do his best to explain such decisions and win the support of the broad majority of Singaporeans. He also emphasized the importance of remaining dedicated to Singapore and feeling the call to serve the people, as well as having a duty to future generations to keep the island safe and secure.
The transition of power from PM Lee to Wong marks a significant moment in Singapore’s political history, and many are looking forward to seeing how Wong will lead the country in the years to come.