NEW DELHI: Lawrence Wong was sworn in on Wednesday as Singapore‘s new prime minister, marking the second administration change in 20 years and becoming just the third leader since the government’s Independence. Wong, 51, is part of the “4G” leaders, a new generation of politicians selected by the long- dominant People’s Action Party ( PAP ) to maintain stability and continuity in the city- state.
The vow to Wong was administered by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 67, in what was described by native advertising as a lower- key leadership transition.
He will keep his place as funding minister while taking over from Lee Hsien Loong, the 72- year- aged son of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore’s former prime minister will remain in Wong’s case as a top minister, continuing a tradition of previous prime ministers holding positions in later governments.
Wong, a federal researcher, began his career as an analyst at Singapore’s business ministry. He has held important positions in the government, including as the energy sector authority’s chief executive and as the prime minister’s main private director. Joining elections in 2011, Wong joined the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s table and eventually led the tradition, national development, and training ministries. He gained fame in 2020 as co- head of the Covid- 19 commission, earning praise for his quiet communication of epidemic restrictions. Nominated finance minister in 2021, Wong became deputy prime minister and Lee’s designated leader in 2022, earning the” first among equal” name. Since 2023, he has presided over the northern banks table. Wong is the first president of Singapore to emerge after the government’s declaration of independence in 1965.
Wong’s succession comes after a properly managed process that included the Covid-19 pandemic and the unanticipated departure of Lee’s first choice in 2021. After extensive discussions with the PAP command and his peers, Wong, who became a well-known find during the pandemic as co-chair of the taskforce, was appointed Lee’s replacement in April 2022. He was then promoted to deputy prime minister and spearheaded a key public consultation on social problems such as ecology, injustice, and work.
Wong reaffirmed his commitment to giving everything of his power to the country and its 5.9 million persons in his new role, saying that he would do so with” with humility and a deep sense of duty.” On Monday, he made a small case change, elevating the industry minister to deputy prime minister, and promised a more substantial reshuffle after the next general election, which is expected by 2025. Addressing the crowd he said,” I feel a sense of satisfaction and completeness”.
In his final major speech on May 1, incoming prime minister Lee Hsien Loong urged Singaporeans to support Wong, highlighting that the country’s stable political environment has allowed for effective long-term planning. As he prepared to step down, Lee felt happy.
Pritam Singh, the leader of the opposition, acknowledged the challenging circumstances in which Wong is taking over as leader and cited the unpredictably global environment and significant domestic generational changes. ” Under Prime Minister Wong’s leadership, the Workers ‘ Party will continue to play our legislative role to advance the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans”, said Singh exuding confidence in Wong’s rule.
( With inputs from agencies )
