Lawrence Wong is ready to lead Singapore, says PM Lee in letter to President Tharman

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is ready to lead Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote on Monday (May 13) in a letter to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, announcing his intention to resign on Wednesday.

The letter is a formal process in Singapore's leadership transition, following last month's announcement that Mr Wong, 51, will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Wednesday.

President Tharman in turn thanked Mr Lee for his service. He then wrote to Mr Wong stating his intention to appoint him as Prime Minister and invited him to form the next government.

Mr Lee, 72, noted in his letter that he had originally planned to hand over to a successor by the time he was 70 but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this timeline.

"After the pandemic, we carried out a process to choose my successor. On Apr 14, 2022, the PAP (People's Action Party) Members of Parliament met and unanimously endorsed Mr Lawrence Wong as the person to succeed me," he said in the letter to President Tharman.

"Now, two years on, he is ready to lead Singapore," wrote Mr Lee, who formally advised the President to invite Mr Wong to form the next government.

In President Tharman's reply, he agreed that Mr Wong commands the confidence of the majority of the MPs.

He also thanked Mr Lee, who took office in August 2004, for four decades of "selfless service" in government.

"Your sense of duty and integrity, wisdom and compassion, have set a high standard, and will inspire those who follow."

Mr Wong previously said that Mr Lee has agreed to stay on in the Cabinet as Senior Minister. This continues a tradition for past outgoing Prime Ministers.

"Your experience and advice will I am sure benefit the new leadership team as they chart the next phase of our history and make an even better Singapore," President Tharman said in his letter to Mr Lee.

Writing to Mr Wong, the President wrote: "I have every confidence that as Prime Minister, you will lead Singapore with honour and ensure the continued stability and vitality of our nation." 

Mr Wong will retain his finance portfolio when he becomes Prime Minister.

He announced on Monday that Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong will be promoted to Deputy Prime Minister, holding both positions concurrently.

Current Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will continue in his role, with Mr Wong prioritising continuity and stability as the government approaches the end of its current term.