Lawrence Wong to become Prime Minister as Lee Hsien Loong steps down

The turnover will happen on 15 May.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will relinquish his post after two decades in office.

In an announcement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong will succeed  Lee, who will step down from office on 15 May.

Wong will be sworn in as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister at the Istana.

In a video published on his social media pages, Wong said he is “honoured to be asked to undertake” the role of Prime Minister. 

“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give you my all in this undertaking. Together, we can build a future that shines brightly for all Singaporeans,” Wong said.

Ministers have taken to social media to express their gratitude for Lee and congratulate Wong.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat thanked Lee for his “guidance and wisdom” and applauded the outgoing PM for leading Singapore “with quiet wisdom and a steady hand.”

“Under PM’s leadership, we cared for Singaporeans while making investments and building capabilities to position Singapore well for the future. Today, Singapore stands out as a beacon of openness and collaboration amid a more reticent global environment,” Heng wrote.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu described Lee as “ a terrific mentor and leader.”

“Through these years, I have witnessed PM Lee’s empathy, fairness and integrity at work. Along with his intellect and knowledge, these qualities have made working for him easy even when he is demanding and sharp,” Fu wrote.

Transport Minister and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat thanked Lee for “enhancing Singapore’s air, sea and land transport systems and our hub status during his premiership.”

“PM Lee also placed much emphasis on growing Singapore’s position as an air and sea hub, which contributes to our economic competitiveness and the livelihoods of many workers,” Chee wrote.

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee recalled Lee’s speech at the 2013 National Day Rally saying that the outgoing PM’s words “left a deep and enduring impression” on the minister in “many ways.”

Minister Lee added that it had been a “great privilege” for him to serve under PM Lee’s leadership and stewardship of Singapore over the past 11 years. 

“As PM Lee prepares to hand over the baton to DPM Lawrence Wong, we are building on strong foundations and will continue his legacy to create an inclusive society and endearing home for current and future generations of Singaporeans,” the national development minister wrote.

Heng also backed Wong’s appointment: “My heartiest congratulations to Lawrence Wong. You have my full support and I am confident that Singaporeans and Singaporeans will continue to thrive under your leadership.  “

Chee also expressed support for Wong, saying that the next PM is someone who he respects and looks up to.

“I am confident that he will continue to build on the strong foundations laid by PM Lee and previous generations of PAP leaders to take Singapore forward and to greater heights… together with DPM Wong, my colleagues and I look forward to partnering with Singaporeans to write the next chapter of our Singapore story!” Chee wrote