Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced that he will be stepping down from his position on May 15 after serving for two decades. He will be handing over power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong.
Lee, aged 72, will formally recommend Wong, who currently holds the positions of deputy prime minister and finance minister, to succeed him. Wong, who has the full support of lawmakers in the ruling People's Action Party, will be sworn in at the national palace on the same day.
Lee has been at the helm of Singapore as prime minister and head of the PAP since August 2004. He had initially planned to retire before turning 70 but postponed his retirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a Facebook post, Lee emphasized the importance of a smooth leadership transition and urged all Singaporeans to support Wong and his team in shaping a brighter future for the country.
Wong, aged 51, emerged as a prominent figure during Singapore's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. He is set to become the fourth leader of the city-state since its independence in 1965.
The People's Action Party, one of the world's longest-serving political parties, secured a super majority in the 2020 general elections with 83 out of 93 parliamentary seats. However, the party experienced a slight decline in support compared to previous elections.
Lee Hsien Loong is the son of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister, who played a pivotal role in transforming the city-state into one of the wealthiest nations globally during his 31-year tenure. Despite Singapore's economic success, the government has faced criticism for its strict control, media censorship, and use of repressive measures against dissenters.
