Lee, 72, announced on Monday that he would end his 20-year rule and hand over power to his deputy Lawrence Wong on May 15.
Prime Minister of Singapore: Who is Lawrence Wong?
Prime Minister of Singapore: Who is Lawrence Wong?
Wong, who can also be finance minister, credited Lee with Singapore’s strong economic growth and expressed satisfaction that he had agreed to remain on as senior minister. After stepping down, former prime ministers Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong also served as senior ministers.
Wong said the cupboard would remain largely unchanged, not less than until the following general election, which shall be held late next yr.
“For now, however, there should be no major changes because our system works based on continuity and gradual changes,” he said at a press conference.
“Major changes in the composition of the government are likely to occur only after the next general election.”
Wong said he would concentrate on tackling immediate issues around jobs, the rising cost of living and caring for vulnerable groups. Another priority is the recruitment of recent candidates for elections as a part of progressive changes, he added.
“We have many challenges to unravel, but additionally many opportunities to chart a brand new path forward for us and our nation. So work with me and my team. Let’s write a brand new chapter in Singapore’s history,” Wong said.
