PM Lee formally resigns to President, cites Lawrence Wong’s readiness to lead

SINGAPORE: On Monday (13 May), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong formally announced his intention to resign, marking a significant transition in Singapore’s leadership.

In a letter to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, he highlighted Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s readiness to lead the nation.

“I now formally advise you to invite Mr Lawrence, who commands the confidence of the majority of Members of Parliament, to inform the next government,” PM Lee wrote.

Mr Wong, aged 51, will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Wednesday.

In response, President Tharman expressed gratitude to Mr. Lee for his service and conveyed his intention to appoint Mr. Wong as Prime Minister, inviting him to establish the next government.

PM Lee, aged 72, acknowledged in his letter his initial plan to transition by the age of 70, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After the pandemic, we carried out a process to choose my successor. On Apr 14, 2022, the PAP (People’s Action Party) Members of Parliament met and unanimously endorsed Mr Lawrence Wong as the person to succeed me,” he wrote.

In his response, President Tharman concurred that Mr Wong has earned the trust of the majority of MPs.

He extended gratitude to Mr Lee, who commenced his tenure in August 2004, for his four decades of “selfless service” to the government.

“Your sense of duty and integrity, wisdom and compassion, have set a high standard, and will inspire those who follow.”

Notably, Mr Wong had indicated that Mr Lee agreed to remain in the Cabinet as Senior Minister, continuing a tradition observed by previous outgoing Prime Ministers.

“Your experience and advice will I am sure benefit the new leadership team as they chart the next phase of our history and make an even better Singapore,” President Tharman said in his letter to Mr Lee.

Addressing Mr Wong, the President conveyed his unwavering confidence in his ability to lead Singapore with honour, ensuring the nation’s sustained stability and vitality.

“I have every confidence that as Prime Minister, you will Singapore with honour and ensure the continued stability and vitality of our nation.”

On Monday, Mr Wong announced a Cabinet reshuffle, Mr Gan Kim Yong is set to be promoted to Deputy Prime Minister while retaining his position as Trade and Industry Minister.

The official appointment to these new roles for Mr Gan will take place on Wednesday, coinciding with Mr Wong assuming leadership from PM Lee.