May 15th 2024.
Singapore has officially welcomed Lawrence Wong as its fourth prime minister in a carefully planned political transition. At 51 years old, Wong has succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, who stepped down from his position after serving for two decades. Both Wong and Lee are members of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), which has been instrumental in driving Singapore's economic progress for over 50 years.
Wong, who was previously the deputy prime minister, will now lead the fourth generation of PAP politicians as the Prime Minister and Finance Minister. In a low-key ceremony, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 67, administered the oath to Wong. The local media has described this transition as a smooth and stable one.
During his swearing-in, Wong emphasized the importance of continuity, stability, and avoiding disruptions. He intends to keep the current ministers in their respective portfolios, maintaining consistency in decision-making. This move has been seen as a testament to Wong's leadership abilities.
In April 2022, Wong was appointed as the leader of PAP's fourth-generation team and promoted to Deputy Prime Minister in June of the same year. Prior to entering politics, Wong worked as a civil servant for 14 years before joining the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 1997. His government is expected to continue with pro-business policies, given Singapore's status as a major financial hub in Asia and a global trading center.
Despite stepping down as prime minister, Lee will continue to serve in the Cabinet as a senior minister, a tradition followed by the previous two prime ministers – Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong. Wong has also chosen to retain Heng Swee Keat, 63, as well as promote Gan Kim Yong, 65, as his two Deputy Prime Ministers.
President Tharman expressed his confidence in Wong's ability to lead Singapore as the country faces uncertain times internationally. He praised Wong's role in shaping economic and social policies, stating that he will bring his own approach to building consensus and finding the best way forward for the country.
With the next General Election scheduled to take place by November 2025, significant changes to the Cabinet are not expected until then. Wong has emphasized the importance of continuity and stability during this term of government, and his top priority is to form the best possible team to serve Singapore and its people.
Among the Indian PAP parliamentarians, Murali Pillai, 56, has been promoted as a minister of state in two ministries – Law and Transport. He will be sworn in on July 1, 2024. The other Indian-origin ministers in the Cabinet include Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, 63, who remains the Foreign Minister, K Shanmugam, 65, as Minister of Law and Home Affairs, and Indranee Rajah, 61, as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
The Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has welcomed Wong as the new Prime Minister and expressed confidence that Singapore-India ties will continue to flourish under his leadership. SICCI chairman Neil Parekh highlighted Wong's role in co-chairing the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, which has set the stage for long-term ties between the two countries.
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