Singapore to get new PM on May 15

SINGAPORE’S Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will take over from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on May 15.

Reports in The Straits Times (Singapore) said this was announced in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on April 15.

Wong, who entered politics 13 years ago, will be sworn in at 8pm on May 15 at the Istana and will be Singapore’s fourth prime minister.

Wong, 51, was picked by his peers as the leader of the People’s Action Party’s 4G team.

In April 2021, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was originally earmarked for the job by his 4G peers in November 2018, stepped aside to pave the way for a younger person to lead the country. 

“He was going to turn 60, and the Covid-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, had shortened his runway as the next prime minister,” said Lee.

During the biennial PAP convention held at the Singapore Expo in November 2023, Lee, who has been prime minister for 20 years, made his intention clear that he wanted to hand over to Wong before the next general election, due by November 2025.

Wong, on his part, signaled his readiness for the task. Speaking to a hall full of his party’s members, he said: “I am ready for my next assignment.” – April 15, 2024.