After two decades at the helm, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore has officially stepped down, signaling the end of an era in the nation’s politics. Lawrence Wong, the deputy PM and finance minister, has taken over the reins.
Singapore, since gaining independence in 1965, has only known four prime ministers, all from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). Lee Kuan Yew, Mr. Lee’s father, served as the first prime minister for 25 years and is widely regarded as the architect of modern Singapore.
This transition marks a significant shift in Singapore’s political landscape, moving beyond the dominance of the Lee Hsien family, although Mr. Lee will remain in the cabinet as a senior minister.
In his farewell interview, Prime Minister Lee expressed gratitude to Singaporeans for their support, emphasizing his collaborative approach to governance. He acknowledged his efforts to lead differently from his father and predecessor, Goh Chok Tong.
Mr. Lee’s political journey began in 1984 as a backbencher under his father’s leadership, and he ascended through the ranks under Prime Minister Goh before assuming office in 2004.
Despite initial skepticism and accusations of nepotism, Mr. Lee’s tenure saw significant achievements. Singapore’s economy thrived, diversifying into an international financial hub and boosting tourism. GDP per capita doubled over the past two decades, and his government’s adept handling of crises, including recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic, earned praise.