In a historic moment for the city-state, Lee Hsien Loong officially stepped down as Prime Minister of Singapore today, marking the end of the Lee family’s remarkable seven-decade reign at the helm of the country’s leadership.
Lee, 72, assumed the premiership in 2004, following in the footsteps of his father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, who is widely regarded as Singapore’s founding father and guided the nation for 31 years after independence in 1965.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve Singapore and Singaporeans as your Prime Minister,” Lee said in an emotional televised address. “Today, I pass the torch to the next generation of leaders to write Singapore’s future chapters.”
Lee’s successor is Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, 51, who was elected leader of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in a party leadership contest last year. Wong, a former finance minister, takes over at a time when Singapore faces economic headwinds amid the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions.
In his valedictory speech, Lee highlighted Singapore’s transformation over the decades from a colonial trading post into a modern, affluent city-state with one of the world’s highest per capita incomes. He cited the nation’s investments in housing, education, and infrastructure as key drivers of its success.
However, Lee also acknowledged rising challenges such as an aging population, stratifying society, cost of living pressures, and the threats of climate change. He called on Singaporeans to remain united and support the new leadership team.
Wong, in his inaugural address as Prime Minister, praised Lee’s decades of service and pledged to build upon Singapore’s progress while addressing modern difficulties.
“We will champion new growth industries like green technology and digital services to create opportunities for Singaporeans,” Wong said. “And we will pursue affordable, quality housing, healthcare, and education to nurture an inclusive society that leaves no one behind.”
The transition marks the third leadership succession in Singapore since independence, and the first not involving a member of the Lee family.
Lee Kuan Yew served as Prime Minister from 1959 to 1990, firmly establishing Singapore’s cohesive society and economic pragmatism. His son, Lee Hsien Loong, took over in 2004 after 14 years as Deputy Prime Minister under Goh Chok Tong, Singapore’s second Prime Minister who led from 1990 to 2004.
While praised for its economic achievements and social stability, the PAP government has also faced criticism over limits on free speech, press freedom, and civil liberties issues.
As he departed the Istana, Singapore’s presidential palace, a visibly emotional Lee thanked Singaporeans and said he was confident in Wong’s “ability to lead with wisdom and commitment to uphold Singapore’s success story.”
