Lawrence Wong sworn in as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister

SINGAPORE: Lawrence Wong was sworn in as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister on Wednesday night (15 May), heralding the country’s first leadership transition in two decades.

At 51 years old, Mr Wong assumes office succeeding Mr Lee Hsien Loong, aged 72, who will continue serving in the Cabinet as Senior Minister.

The ceremony commenced with a speech delivered by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, followed by Mr Wong’s solemn Oaths of Allegiance and Due Execution of Office.

As the new Prime Minister observed, the remaining Cabinet members proceeded to take their oaths, beginning with the senior ministers, which notably included outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the deputy prime ministers.

In announcing his inaugural Cabinet lineup on Monday, Mr Wong emphasized the importance of continuity and stability. He appointed seasoned politician Gan Kim Yong as Deputy Prime Minister.

Mr Lee formally conveyed his intention to resign to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Monday, emphasizing Mr Wong’s preparedness to lead the nation.

Mr Lee has held the Prime Ministerial position for two decades, commencing his tenure in 2004 following the leadership of Mr Goh Chok Tong, who served for 14 years.

Mr Lee’s father, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, served as Singapore’s first PM, leading the nation for a remarkable 31-year tenure before stepping down.

Mr Wong’s rise to the pinnacle of Singapore’s ruling PAP Government

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 had intended to hand over the reins of power by February 2022, his 70th birthday.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic seemed to shift the succession timeline.

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.

Mr Wong solidified his position as Singapore’s next leader through his pivotal role in co-chairing Singapore’s multi-ministry COVID-19 task force, spearheading crucial announcements, and steering the nation’s response to the pandemic.

Furthermore, he initiated the Forward Singapore initiative, defining it as a pivotal guide for the city-state’s future led by fourth-generation leaders.

This initiative provided insight into Mr Wong’s vision and the strategies of the 4G team for propelling Singapore forward.