Singapore’s PM Lee indicates intent to hand over leadership to DPM Lawrence Wong before next GE

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Sunday his plans to hand over the reins of leadership to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong before the forthcoming General Election, mandated to be held by November 2025.

Addressing over a thousand members of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) at the party’s 2023 awards and convention held at the Singapore Expo, PM Lee stated that the next General Election will coincide with the party’s leadership transition to the 4G team, setting a tentative timeline for this to occur by the PAP’s 70th birthday on November 21, 2024.

“Lawrence has told me that he is ready, and this morning you have heard him telling you that he is ready for his next assignment. I have full confidence in Lawrence and his team and there is no reason to delay the political transition.

“Therefore, I intend to hand over to DPM Lawrence before the next GE,” said Mr Lee.

Reflecting on the disruptions caused by the pandemic, PM Lee acknowledged the delay in his retirement plans, which were originally intended to occur before his 70th birthday in February 2022.

“So if all goes well, I will hand over by the PAP’s 70th birthday next year – it’s not my birthday, but I will borrow it for this purpose.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stern test for us all, but it has not derailed our plans for renewal,” he assured the assembly. He emphasized that the transition to the 4G team is crucial and timely: “Everything depends on the success of this third transition in our history,” PM Lee stated.

The succession plan has been in the public eye since DPM Heng Swee Keat stepped aside, allowing a younger leader with a ‘longer runway’ to lead the party, with DPM Wong subsequently being endorsed as the leader of the 4G team.

PM Lee reflected on this decision, noting the importance of continuity and long-term planning. “Lawrence and the 4G team have earned their spurs during the COVID-19 crisis, setting the national agenda with vigor and vision,” he said.

PM Lee provided insights into the decision-making process, weighing the options for the transition’s timing.

He delineated two paths: “Either I can continue to lead the party in the next GE, my fifth as PM, and then hand over soon afterwards to Lawrence; or I can hand over to Lawrence before the GE, then he leads the party into the campaign, wins his own mandate, and takes the country forward with the full backing of the nation,” he elaborated.

He also stressed the international implications of this transition, with both Singaporeans and the international community watching closely.

He expressed confidence in DPM Wong and the 4G team, stating, “Lawrence has told me that he is ready, and this morning you have heard him telling you that he is ready for his next assignment. I have full confidence in Lawrence and his team, and there is no reason to delay the political transition.”

PM Lee also delved into the Forward SG exercise, an initiative led by Mr Wong and the 4G leaders that culminated in a report charting a future course for the nation. “This roadmap is not just a set of policies; it is a pledge for a better Singapore,” PM Lee remarked.

The speech also addressed the need for effective governance and robust election strategies. PM Lee observed the challenges of garnering support despite successful policies, underlining the necessity to connect with citizens. “We have to inspire Singaporeans to fight hard for us, together with us for a better future,” he asserted.

Highlighting the party’s historical dominance and the increasing competitiveness of elections, PM Lee cautioned against complacency. “With each successive election, the PAP’s task has become tougher,” he noted, emphasizing the nuanced political landscape where voters desire a strong government but also yearn for diverse voices.

In a moment of reflection, PM Lee, now 71, shared his personal feelings about the journey he has undertaken and the evolution of the PAP under his stewardship.

“But some things never change. We still wear whites; we still formally address each other as comrades. We remain dedicated to Singapore and we still feel the calling to serve the people,” he stated, visibly moved.

Concluding his address, PM Lee called upon the party to rally behind DPM Wong and the next generation of leaders.

“I ask each of you to give Lawrence and his team your full support. Help them win a strong mandate and work with them to take Singapore to greater heights,” he concluded, marking the announcement as not just a handover of duties, but a heartfelt endorsement of a new chapter for Singapore.

Based on PM Lee’s statements, it is reasonable to assume that the GE will take place next year.

(Speech starts at 8:24)