SINGAPORE: An important announcement was made regarding the country’s leadership succession on Monday afternoon (April 15).

“Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will relinquish his office on 15 May 2024,” the Prime Minister’s Office announced, adding “He will formally advise the President to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong to succeed him.”

The announcement from the PMO also said that the Members of Parliament unanimously support Mr Wong from the ruling People’s Action Party and that he will be sworn in at the Istana on May 15, 2024, at 8:00 pm.

Mr Wong posted a brief video on his social media channels addressed to fellow Singaporeans and touching on his personal backstory as a public servant.

He said that when he joined the political arena in 2011 “because he wanted to be part of the Singapore story,” he did not expect to be asked to serve as the next Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister-to-be said, however, that he accepts this responsibility “with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give my all in this undertaking. Every ounce of my energy shall be devoted to that service of our country and our people.”

“Your dreams will inspire my actions. Your concerns will guide my decisions,” Mr Wong added, inviting Singaporeans to join him and to share their ideas, passions, and dreams.

“Work with me and my team together we can build a future that shines brightly for all Singaporeans… we will build a democratic society based on justice and equality.

Let us move forward as one team Singapore and write the next chapter of our Singapore story together.”

PM Lee underlined the significance of the leadership transition in a post on his Facebook page, noting how Mr Wong and his fellow 4G leaders “worked hard to gain the people’s trust, notably during the pandemic.”

Mr Wong led the multi-ministry team that spearheaded the governm...