ANKARA
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday he would hand over the leadership of the ruling party to his vice president until November 2024, before the next general election, “if all goes well. “
Speaking at the biennial congress of his People’s Action Party, Lee said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong would lead the upcoming general election, Singapore-based newspaper The Strait Times reported.
The next elections in Singapore are scheduled for November 2025.
Currently, Lee is secretary general and Wong deputy secretary general of the People’s Action Party.
Lee, who has been in government for nearly 40 years, said, “Lawrence told me he’s ready. . . I have complete confidence in Lawrence and his team, there is no explanation as to why the political transition should be delayed. “
Lee added that he was unable to hand over the reins of leadership before his 70th birthday as he had hoped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If all goes well, I will pass the baton (to the leadership) until the 70th anniversary of the People’s Action Party next year. “
The party was established on November 21, 1954.
Lee said ministers had already selected Wong as their leader, a selection approved by ruling lawmakers.
The prime minister said he had the resolution in mind and discussed it very well with Wong and the third- and fourth-generation ministers.
“It has been a wonderful blessing and honour for me to have served the country, first in the Singapore Armed Forces and then in government, throughout my adult life,” Lee said, fighting back tears.