PM-in-waiting Lawrence Wong urges Singaporeans to work with him

SINGAPORE: On Monday (15 April), Singapore's Prime Minister's Office officially announced Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's decision to step down, with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong slated to succeed him on 15 May 2024.

The PMO's statement confirmed the transition:

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will relinquish his office on 15 May 2024. ”

“He will formally advise the President to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong to succeed him.”

“DPM Wong has the unanimous support of the PAP MPs.”

“The new Prime Minister will be sworn in at 8.00 pm on 15 May 2024 at the Istana.”

In response to the official announcement, DPM Wong urged Singaporeans to collaborate with him and his team in shaping the next chapter of the Singapore story.

In a video message posted on social media shortly after the PMO's announcement, DPM Wong sought the support of Singaporeans "in our shared vision as one united people."

Reflecting on his political journey since 2011, DPM Wong expressed humility and a deep sense of duty in accepting the responsibility of serving as prime minister.

“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give my all in this undertaking,” he said.

“Every ounce of my energy shall be devoted to the service of our country and our people. "

"Your dreams will inspire my action. Your concerns will guide my decisions.”

"I ask each of you to join me in this journey. Share your ideas, share your passions and dreams. Work with me and my team."

He believed that together, Singaporeans can build a future that shines brightly for all, fostering a democratic society based on justice and equality.

"Let us move forward as one Team Singapore, and write the next chapter of our Singapore story together."

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat took to Facebook to express his heartfelt appreciation towards PM Lee for his exemplary leadership spanning two decades, notably during pivotal moments like the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Under PM Lee's guidance, we prioritized the well-being of Singaporeans while strategically investing and enhancing our capabilities to secure Singapore's future," DPM Heng emphasized.

He continued, "Today, Singapore shines as a beacon of openness and collaboration amidst a global landscape marked by hesitancy."

In addition to commending PM Lee's stewardship, DPM Heng extended warm congratulations to Lawrence Wong and voiced unwavering confidence in Singapore's ongoing prosperity under his leadership.

DPM Wong expected to lead ruling party in upcoming GE

Mr Wong, 51, will assume the role of Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister and is expected to lead the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) into the upcoming elections slated for November 2025.

In November 2023, Speaking at the PAP’s convention, PM Lee signalled a leadership transition, indicating his intention to pass the baton to DPM Wong before the upcoming General Election.

PM Lee stated that the next GE 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 21 November 2024.

Previously expressing his wish “to step down before his 70th birthday in February 2022,” the unexpected COVID-19 challenges of the pandemic disrupted Lee’s plans.

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 had expressed full confidence in DPM Wong and the 4G team.

In 2018, the public was informed that Mr Heng, a former top civil servant, had been chosen by his PAP peers as “first among equals” and was set to become Singapore’s fourth prime minister upon PM Lee’s retirement.

PM Lee, who was 66 at the time and had succeeded Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong as Prime Minister in 2004, had intended to hand over the reins of power by February 2022, his 70th birthday.

In July 2020, amidst Singapore’s GE, PM Lee expressed his commitment to see Singapore through the crisis and hand over the country “intact and in working order” to his successor.

By April 2021, after the PAP’s victory in the 2020 general election, Heng conveyed his intentions to stand aside.

Reflecting on the severity of the pandemic, Heng commented, “I believe it’s better for someone younger, with a longer runway, to take on this role.”

Subsequently, a year later, in April 2022,DPM Wong was announced as the leader of the ruling PAP fourth-generation team.

Based on the recent announcement, it is reasonable to anticipate that the General Election will be held before the party’s anniversary in November.

In response to the PAP’s dominant 2/3 majority in Parliament, Singapore’s political landscape has witnessed increased manoeuvring,  intensifying grassroots outreach efforts, and witnessing alternative parties forming political alliances — both formal and informal — to contest in the upcoming GE.