Leadership transition to take place with unanimous support from the People’s Action Party MPs
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will officially be sworn in as Singapore’s fourth prime minister on May 15, 2024, in a ceremony at the Istana. This marks the culmination of a leadership transition that has been carefully planned over the years. On the same day, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down and formally advise the president to appoint Wong as his successor. The leadership change is the result of a decision made by the People’s Action Party (PAP) leadership, where Wong received unanimous support from the PAP Members of Parliament.
Wong, who was selected in April 2022 to lead Singapore’s fourth-generation (4G) leadership team, has long been seen as the successor to PM Lee. This decision came after former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat stepped aside in 2021, citing the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, his advancing age, and the growing demands of the role. In a video message, Wong expressed that he accepted his new responsibility with humility, stating that when he entered politics in 2011, he never anticipated being asked to become the next prime minister of Singapore. Despite this, Wong committed himself fully to the service of the country, vowing to dedicate every ounce of his energy to the nation’s well-being.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in a separate statement, expressed confidence in Wong’s leadership and the work of the 4G team, especially during their efforts in managing the COVID-19 crisis. Lee also highlighted the forward-thinking initiatives undertaken by the team, such as the Forward Singapore exercise, which aimed to refresh the social compact and develop a national agenda that resonates with younger generations. Lee urged Singaporeans to offer their full support to Wong and the 4G ministers as they work towards creating a brighter future for the country.
This transition also marks a critical juncture for Singapore, with the next general election, which must take place by November 2025, on the horizon. The leadership change will set the stage for new challenges and opportunities, with Wong and his team focusing on maintaining Singapore’s resilience and success in a rapidly changing world.
