SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down from his position on May 15, handing over his position to his deputy, Lawrence Wong, as announced by his office on Monday.
Lee, aged 72, will formally recommend to the city-state’s president the appointment of Wong, who currently serves as deputy prime minister and finance minister, as his successor, his office said in a brief statement.
Wong, enjoying unanimous support from lawmakers within the long-standing ruling People’s Action Party, will be sworn in at the national palace later that same day, the statement confirmed.
Having held the position of prime minister and led the People’s Action Party since August 2004, Lee’s departure marks a significant transition in Singapore’s leadership. Last November, Lee disclosed his intention to retire this year and had already designated Wong as his successor. Initially planning to step down before turning 70, Lee postponed his retirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lee has underscored the importance of a timely political transition, asserting that passing the baton to Wong ahead of the scheduled national elections next year will enable the 51-year-old politician to secure his mandate and steer the country forward.
While Singapore’s remarkable economic success under Lee Kuan Yew’s rule is widely acknowledged, the country has also faced scrutiny for its stringent government control, media censorship, and the use of restrictive laws and civil lawsuits against dissenters.
