24-11-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) is poised for a historic leadership transition as Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong prepares to step down after two decades at the helm, with current Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expected to assume the party’s top position.
The handover, scheduled for Sunday, comes six months after Lee relinquished his role as Prime Minister to Wong in May. The announcement coincided with the party’s 70th anniversary celebrations at the Singapore Expo, where party stalwarts and members gathered to honour Lee’s contributions.
During Saturday’s biennial PAP awards and conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Party Chairman Heng Swee Keat lauded Lee’s leadership through critical periods, including the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. “For four decades, his guidance, wisdom and foresight have shaped Singapore’s transformation into a smart nation and global hub,” Heng remarked.
Lee’s tenure as secretary-general, which began in November 2004, has seen him lead ten successive central executive committees. In an emotional address to party members, he expressed gratitude for their support throughout his service, urging continued dedication as Singapore approaches next year’s general election.
The transition follows historical precedent, with previous leadership changes occurring after premiership handovers. The party is expected to elect its 38th central executive committee on Sunday, with specific appointments, including the new secretary-general, to be announced in the coming weeks.
Former political office-holder S Vasoo, recipient of the evening’s highest honour, the Meritorious Service Star Medal, expressed optimism about the leadership transition. “Wong brings fresh perspective and the capacity to address emerging challenges,” he noted.
The celebration also recognised 448 party activists for their community service, highlighting the PAP’s grassroots strength as it prepares for a general election due by November 2024. Party leaders emphasised the importance of securing a strong mandate to maintain Singapore’s trajectory of progress under new leadership.
