Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Monday his decision to step down on May 15, culminating nearly two decades of leadership over the economically prosperous nation. The move is part of a long-anticipated leadership transition, with his deputy Lawrence Wong set to take over.
The transition, originally planned earlier, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and encountered a hiccup in succession plans.
Lee, aged 72, assumed office as Singapore's third Prime Minister on August 12, 2004.
In a Facebook post, Lee expressed the significance of leadership transition for any country.
"Last November, I announced my intention to step down as Prime Minister this year. I will relinquish my role as Prime Minister on May 15, 2024, and DPM (Deputy Prime Minister) Lawrence Wong will be sworn in as the next Prime Minister on the same day," Lee said.
"For any country, a leadership transition is a significant moment. Lawrence and the 4G team (fourth generation) have worked hard to gain the people’s trust, notably during the pandemic. 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 added.
"The 4G team are committed to keeping Singapore working well and moving ahead. These will always be top priorities for the government. I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence and his team your full support, and work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore," Lee further added.
The political succession in Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) appeared to be taking shape from 2018 when Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat was tipped to be the next Prime Minister.
But in April 2021, Heng, then 60 years old, stepped aside as a candidate for the top job, citing his age as the reason. PAP has ruled the city-state ever since independence.
After a year of deliberation, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong was named the successor and, shortly after, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister.
The 51-year-old will be appointed Prime Minister when Lee steps down.
The transition occurs 12 years after Lee's declaration in 2012 that he would not continue as Prime Minister beyond the age of 70, as reported by Channel News Asia.
Born in 1952, Lee is the eldest son of Singapore’s inaugural Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and excelled as a mathematician during his schooling years.
In 1974, he graduated as a Senior Wrangler in the Mathematics Tripos, equivalent to first-class honours, and also attained a diploma in computer science with distinction.
Lee's political career began with his appointment as Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Defence shortly after becoming a Member of Parliament.
He later served as Second Minister for Defence and Minister for Trade and Industry during the 1980s and early 1990s.
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