Mark this day: 15 May 2024.
It’s not a public holiday, but it will be a day when you’ll have to get used to the term “PM Wong”, because it’s confirmed: today (15 April 2024), the Prime Minister’s Office issued a press statement on Monday (Apr 15) announcing that from 15 May 2024, DPM Lawrence Wong will be sworn in as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister.
Here’s what you need to know.
Confirmed: Lawrence Wong Will Be Prime Minister from 15 May 2024
This afternoon, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a three-paragraph statement that shows that less is more.
It says, “Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will relinquish his office on 15 May 2024.
“He will formally advise the President to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong to succeed him. DPM Wong has the unanimous support of the PAP MPs.
“The new Prime Minister will be sworn in at 8:00 pm on 15 May 2024 at the Istana.”
The headline?
“Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will relinquish his office on 15 May 2024.”
PM Lee also made the announcement on social media, saying, “Lawrence and the 4G team have worked hard to gain the people’s trust, notably during the pandemic. Through the Forward Singapore exercise, they have worked with many Singaporeans to refresh our social compact and develop the national agenda for a new generation.
“The 4G team is committed to keeping Singapore working well and moving ahead. These will always be top priorities for the government.
“I ask all Singaporeans to give Lawrence and his team your full support, and work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore.”
While this is breaking news, it isn’t unexpected.
Last November, PM Lee said that DPM Wong would take over as Prime Minister before the next General Elections, and also before November 2024.
You can watch this video for more information:
PM Lee had aimed to retire before his 70th birthday in February 2022, but this was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
DPM Wong was designated leader of the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) fourth-generation (4G) team two years ago, positioning him as the successor for the role of Prime Minister.
This followed after DPM Heng Swee Keat stepped away from the role in April 2021, who cited his age and insufficient preparation time for the prime ministerial duties after COVID-19 hit.
Mr Heng is currently 63 years old.
Upon taking office, DPM Wong will be Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister, following Mr Lee Hsien Loong, who assumed the position in 2004 at 52; Mr Goh Chok Tong in 1990 when he was 49; and Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 1959 when he was 35.
