PM Lee says he won't stop working despite stepping down on 15 May

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said despite stepping down from his current position soon, he plans to maintain an active role within the government as a Member of Parliament.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (7 May), PM Lee addressed well-wishers who had expressed sentiments of retirement.

He clarified his intent, stating, "Many of you have also wished me a happy retirement. I am stepping down as PM but I am not stopping work!"

He emphasized his commitment to public service by announcing his intention to remain within the government and continue representing Ang Mo Kio GRC as an MP.

"I will do whatever I can to help PM Lawrence and his team succeed," he added.

On 15 April, Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) officially announced PM Lee’s decision to step down, with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong poised to take over on 15 May 2024.

Lawrence Wong earlier confirmed that despite PM Lee's stepping down, he will continue to play a pivotal role in the Singapore government as a senior minister.

“I have asked Mr Lee Hsien Loong to continue serving in the Cabinet as a senior minister, and I am glad that he has agreed to do so,” said Wong during a press interaction.

Wong emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and continuity within the Cabinet, indicating that there will not be significant changes immediately, as the new Cabinet is sworn in.

“It has never been the case that when there is a leadership transition, all the older ministers stepped down at the same time,” Wong explained.

“Instead, they continued to contribute in different ways, while making room for the younger ones to step up.”

The current Senior Minister, Teo Chee Hean, along with other ministers, will largely continue in their existing roles.

Even after relinquishing the role of Prime Minister, PM Lee continues to maintain significant responsibilities. He serves as the chairman of Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, GIC Private Limited, and also holds the position of Chairman at the People's Association, a statutory board.

On 1 May, PM Lee during his last political speech as PM at the annual May Day Rally in Singapore, emphasized the robust start to Singapore’s next chapter but cautioned against complacency in the face of formidable challenges such as great power rivalry, deglobalization, rapid technological changes, climate change, and potential warfare.

He credited former Prime Ministers Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong with establishing a resilient system, a legacy he expects his successors to uphold, stressing that any deviation toward mediocrity could spell serious trouble for the nation.

He expressed confidence in the next generation of leadership to address upcoming challenges and continue the work of advancing Singapore.

“I ask all Singaporeans to rally behind them, and work together to make Singapore succeed, for your sake. ”