End of Lee era for Singapore as PM steps down
Singapore’s long-serving Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced he is stepping down, marking the end of a political era for the island nation.
After two decades at the helm, Lee will formally pass the baton to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday night.
Since its independence in 1965, Singapore has been governed by only three prime ministers, all hailing from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). The first, Lee’s father, Lee Kuan Yew, is revered as the architect of modern Singapore and led the nation for 25 years.
Analysts see this transition as a pivotal moment in Singapore’s political landscape, signifying a departure from the Lee family’s dominance, although Lee will retain a role in the cabinet as a senior minister.
In his final interview as Prime Minister over the weekend with local media, Lee expressed gratitude to Singaporeans for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.
“I didn’t try to run faster than everybody else. I tried to bring everybody to run with me,” he said. “And I think we did have some success.”
He added that he had tried to “do (things) my way” in a different fashion from his father and other predecessor, Goh Chok Tong.
@mohtsgen On 15 May 2024, PM Lee Hsien Loong will be stepping down after 19 Years, 9 Months and 4 Days as Prime Minister. Thank you for your selfless service to the nation, PM Lee. #ThankYouPMLee #mohtsg #sgtiktok #tiktoksg #fypsg #singapore