Lawrence Wong to take over as Singapore Prime Minister from Lee Hsien Loong on May 15

Source: Prime Minister's Office Singapore and CNA

A date for Singapore's leadership handover has been set - Mr Lawrence Wong will officially become Prime Minister on May 15, taking the reins from Mr Lee Hsien Loong. 

The Prime Minister's Office issued a press statement on Monday (Apr 15) announcing the transition: 

"Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will relinquish his office on 15 May 2024.

He will formally advise the President to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong to succeed him. DPM Wong has the unanimous support of the PAP MPs.

The new Prime Minister will be sworn in at 8.00 pm on 15 May 2024 at the Istana."

Mr Wong, 51, who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, was named two years ago as the leader of the ruling People’s Action Party's (PAP) fourth-generation (4G) team, effectively putting him in line to become the next Prime Minister. 

This was after Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who had been previously named as 4G leader, stepped aside in April 2021, citing his age and the lack of a proper "runway" for the top job. Mr Heng is 63 this year.

The timing of the handover was first suggested late last year, when Mr Lee said he would hand the baton to Mr Wong before the next General Election, which must be called by November 2025. 

Making the announcement in front of party members at a PAP convention, Mr Lee also said that if "all goes well", the transition would be held by the PAP's 70th birthday on Nov 21 this year. 

The Prime Minister had previously indicated his intention to step down before his 70th birthday in February 2022, but this plan was scuppered by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mr Wong will become Singapore's fourth Prime Minister, following in the footsteps of Mr Lee Hsien Loong, who took office in 2004 at the age of 52; Mr Goh Chok Tong (1990) and Mr Lee Kuan Yew (1959). Mr Goh was 49 when he became Prime Minister while the late Mr Lee was 35 when he was sworn in. 

"Give Lawrence and his team your full support": PM Lee

Mr Lee said on Monday that a leadership transition in any country is a "significant moment". He noted that Mr Wong and the 4G team had "worked hard to gain the people’s trust, notably during the pandemic".

Mr Wong was one of three co-chairs of Singapore's multi-ministry COVID-19 task force, leading the country's pandemic response and fronting key announcements at press conferences.

He also launched the Forward Singapore exercise in 2022, which laid out a roadmap for a new Singapore vision.

"Through the Forward Singapore exercise, they have worked with many Singaporeans to refresh our social compact and develop the national agenda for a new generation," Mr Lee wrote in a Facebook post that went up shortly after the official announcement.

"The 4G team are committed to keeping Singapore working well and moving ahead. These will always be top priorities for the government," said Mr Lee.

"I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence and his team your full support, and work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore."

"Deep Sense of Duty"

In a video posted on Facebook, Mr Wong addressed Singaporeans and said he accepted the leadership responsibility with "humility and a deep sense of duty".

Pledging to give his all, he said:

"Every ounce of my energy shall be devoted to the service of our country and our people."

"Your dreams will inspire my actions," he added. "Your concerns will guide my decisions."

He urged Singaporeans to share their ideas, passions and dreams and called on his fellow citizens to work with him and his team.

"Together," Mr Wong said, "We can build a future that shines brightly for all Singaporeans."