SINGAPORE – Lawrence Wong has been sworn in as Singapore’s fourth prime minister, marking the country’s first leadership transition in two decades.
Wong, 51, succeeds Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who will continue to serve in the cabinet as senior minister, CNA reported.
Unveiling his first cabinet line-up on Monday, Wong emphasised continuity and stability, appointing seasoned politicians Gan Kim Yong and Heng Swee Keat as deputy prime ministers.
“When the going gets tough, we do not crumble,” Wong was quoted as saying during his maiden speech as prime minister.
“We press on, with faith in our fellow citizens and in Singapore’s future. This is my promise to all Singaporeans: I will serve you with all my heart. I will never settle for the status quo. I will always seek better ways to make tomorrow better than today.”
“My mission is clear: To continue defying the odds and to sustain this miracle called Singapore.”
A cornerstone of Wong’s leadership is the Forward Singapore exercise he initiated in 2022. This initiative aims to create a fairer, more just, and equal society where everyone, including the vulnerable, can realise their dreams.
“We can be a society where every Singaporean matters. And a Singapore that matters to every Singaporean,” he said, adding that he and his team would support all Singaporeans in uplifting themselves and leading fulfilling lives.
Former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong submitted his resignation to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Monday.
In his letter, Lee advised the president to invite Wong to form the next government.
Tharman accepted Lee’s resignation and confirmed he would appoint Wong as prime minister and invite him to form the new government.
Gan will continue as trade and industry minister and will also replace Wong as chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Lee and Teo Chee Hean will be senior ministers in the new cabinet, while Wong will retain his role as finance minister. – May 15, 2024