'Remarkable leader in the country, region and the world': Tributes pour in for PM Lee who will leave office after 20 years

SINGAPORE — A "remarkable leader for his country, the region and the world". This was among the tributes that poured in for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after it was announced on Monday (April 15) that he will hand over the leadership reins to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 15.

Mr Lee first took office in August 2004 at age 52 from his predecessor, Mr Goh Chok Tong, who handed him the baton after leading the nation for around 14 years.

Mr Lee said in a Facebook post on Monday that a leadership transition is a "significant" moment for any country, as he urged Singaporeans to give Mr Wong and the fourth-generation (4G) team their "full support".

Several People's Action Party ministers and Members of Parliament paid tribute to the outgoing premier and expressed their hopes for his successor. 

They were joined by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who was in town, and Progress Singapore Party's secretary-general Hazel Poa.

MR CHRISTOPHER LUXON, PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND

“For nearly 20 years, PM Lee has been a remarkable leader for his country, the region and the world. His legacy runs deep which the future of Singapore will build on with the leadership of incoming PM Lawrence Wong.”

MR HENG SWEE KEAT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

“I am grateful to have benefitted from PM’s guidance and wisdom over the past decade, and especially during the Covid-19 crisis when we made the decision to seek President’s approval to tap on past reserves to save lives and livelihoods. 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.”

MR TEO CHEE HEAN, SENIOR MINISTER AND COORDINATING MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

"Thank you very much PM Lee for your leadership as PM. All the very best to DPM Wong as he takes on this leadership responsibility. Let us work together for a smooth transition and look forward to a successful future for Singapore."

MR K SHANMUGAM, MINISTER FOR LAW AND HOME AFFAIRS

"PM has been in the position for 20 years. In these 20 years, Singapore has progressed tremendously; its gross domestic product has gone up four fold. It's been a tremendous privilege to have worked with PM Lee." 

MR DESMOND LEE, MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

"It has been my great privilege to serve under PM Lee’s leadership and stewardship of our country these past 11 years. As PM Lee prepares to hand over the baton to DPM 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.”

MR GAN KIM YONG, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY

"An honour and privilege to have been part of PM Lee’s team. My deepest appreciation to him for his leadership. His dedication to Singapore and Singaporeans is truly inspirational."

MR CHAN CHUN SING, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION

"Leadership succession is the most difficult yet important part of a leader’s journey. We have been fortunate to have PM Lee 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."

MS JOSEPHINE TEO, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION

"Our former PMs – Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong – poured their hearts and souls to serving Singaporeans and made Singapore a better place. PM Lee was no different and he was also an exceptional leader. I am certain DPM Wong will turn out likewise and I thank him for taking on the mantle of leading our nation in the years ahead."

MS GRACE FU, MINISTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

"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.”

DR TAN SEE LENG, MINISTER FOR MANPOWER

"It has been the utmost honour and privilege to have been part of PM Lee’s team. Thank you for the guidance and the opportunity to serve. I look forward to supporting DPM Wong as we continue to build a better future for all Singaporeans."

MR CHEE HONG TAT, MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT

“Mr Wong is someone I respect and look up to, and 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.”

DR MALIKI OSMAN, MINISTER IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE

"As our country’s leader, his commitment, vision, and hard work have shaped Singapore into the prosperous, resilient, and harmonious society it is today. Thank you PM Lee for your steadfast leadership, and your unwavering commitment to the well-being of our people."

MR ZAQY MOHAMAD, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE AND MANPOWER

“PM Lee has not only preserved the legacy of his predecessors but has also magnified Singapore’s presence on the global stage. His leadership has enhanced our international reputation, making Singapore a coveted partner and mediator worldwide, cementing our status as a global hub.”

MS HAZEL POA, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF PROGRESS SINGAPORE PARTY

“We hope that in his new role, Mr Wong will be committed to improving the lives of all Singaporeans, particularly those in the working class and middle-class, developing more concrete plans for housing affordability, reallocating our fiscal resources for better outcomes, and ensuring a level playing field for Singaporeans in the job market.”