Ministers thank outgoing PM Lee for his leadership, express support for Lawrence Wong as fourth PM

SINGAPORE: Cabinet ministers on Monday (Apr 15) thanked Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for his leadership, while offering their congratulations and support to his successor Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

It was announced on Monday afternoon that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will relinquish his role on May 15, with Mr Wong set to take over the reins on the same day.

Mr Wong, who has been seen as the next Prime Minister since April 2022 when he was picked by his peers as the leader of the People’s Action Party's (PAP) fourth-generation (4G) team, will be sworn in as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister at 8pm at the Istana.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat was among the Cabinet members who posted messages on their social media accounts following the announcement.

He described Mr Lee as having led Singapore with “quiet wisdom and a steady hand” through several episodes of uncertainty, such as the global financial crisis and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, over the past 20 years.

Mr Heng, who was slated to take over the leadership reins before he stepped aside in April 2021, added that he is grateful to have benefitted from Mr Lee’s guidance and wisdom over the past decade, especially during the pandemic when the government had to tap on past reserves.

“It always reminds me of our responsibility to steward Singapore well for the future generations, and keep Singapore shining for a long time to come. Thank you, PM, for your selfless dedication and service,” he wrote.

Mr Heng also congratulated Mr Wong and extended his “full support” to the incoming leader.

“I am confident that Singapore and Singaporeans will continue to thrive under your leadership,” he said.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu described Mr Lee as a “strong sponsor and champion” for her ministry’s policies ranging from the country’s “30 by 30” vision, net-zero goal by 2050, the roll-out of a carbon tax and the Singapore Green Plan.

She noted how she has benefitted from Mr Lee’s credibility and the goodwill he has nurtured around the world when she embarked on international climate negotiation.

“Under his leadership, Singapore is known to the world as a neutral, independent minded, trust-worthy partner who will deliver on its promises. This reputation is priceless and has helped me tremendously in advancing Singapore’s interest in international platforms,” she wrote.

Ms Fu also credited Mr Lee as a “terrific mentor and leader” through her political career, adding that it is time for the veteran leader to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

“I look forward to working with DPM Lawrence Wong to realise his vision for Singapore, with the strong foundation that PM Lee has built for us,” said Ms Fu.

In his Facebook post, National Development Minister Desmond Lee wrote about how Mr Lee’s National Day Rally speech in 2013, which touched on the need for a "strategic shift" in the social compact, had left a deep impression in him.

“In many ways, it was a rallying call for our society and nation to come together, and forge a new way forward as one,” he said.

Mr Lee noted that it has been his privilege to serve under the Prime Minister’s leadership for the past 11 years, with the opportunity to “experience first-hand” what the Prime Minister meant by the new way forward. These include the rehaul of new public housing classification into the Standard, Plus or Prime categories.

“He believed strongly in passing on to our children a better Singapore than we inherited and urged us to never stop re-imagining and building a Singapore that future generations can look forward to,” the minister wrote.

“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.”

Transport Minister and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat thanked Mr Lee for his leadership in enhancing Singapore’s air, sea and land transport systems, as well as hub status, during his premiership.

Likewise, he said that it has been “a great honour and privilege” to be part of Mr Lee’s team since joining politics in 2015.

Turning to Mr Wong, Mr Chee described the incoming Prime Minister as someone he has known since they were young officers in the public service, and that he is someone whom he respects and looks up to.

“As a member of the 4G team, I will give DPM Wong my fullest support and do my best to contribute to the team,” he said.

Noting that Singapore has had uneventful leadership transitions that paved the way for continuity, be it in building the country or establishing Singapore’s standing in the world, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said the ruling PAP is “committed to keep it that way”.

He noted that Mr Wong has “the support of the PAP team to take Singapore forward”.

“We have been fortunate to have PM Lee Hsien Loong lead and guide us for many years. We are sure that PM will continue to do so in his ways, even in the next lap of our journey,” added Mr Chan.

Recalling personal anecdotes of Mr Lee, Minister for Communications and Information Josephine called the Prime Minister an “exceptional leader”.

She also said he was no different from former Prime Ministers Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong who “poured their hearts and souls to serving Singaporeans and made Singapore a better place”.

Mrs Teo added that she was “certain” Mr Wong will be the same as his predecessors and thanked him for taking on the mantle of leading Singapore in the years ahead.

Describing Mr Lee’s dedication to Singapore and Singaporeans as “truly inspirational”, Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong said it has been “an honour and privilege” to have been part of Mr Lee’s team. 

Mr Gan said he is looking forward to supporting the new Prime Minister and working together with his Cabinet colleagues to take the country forward.

Similarly, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean thanked Mr Lee for his leadership and wished Mr Wong “all the very best” in his new role.

“Let us work together for a smooth transition and look forward to a successful future for Singapore,” he wrote.

Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng credited Mr Lee for his leadership and all that he has done for Singapore.

He added: “To DPM Lawrence Wong, you have our full support. And together with the 4G team and with our senior leaders and people’s support, we are in good hands to face the challenges ahead.”