Lee Hsien Loong is set to step down as secretary-general of the People’s Action Party (PAP), closing a 20-year chapter at the helm of Singapore’s ruling party.
His leadership was celebrated during the PAP’s 70th-anniversary event on 23 November 2024, as tributes highlighted his legacy and contributions.
The announcement comes months after Mr Lee, 72, handed the prime ministership to his successor, Lawrence Wong, in May 2024.
Mr Wong, 51, is expected to take over as PAP secretary-general and lead the party into the next general election, which must be held no later than November 2025.
Honouring a transformative leader
The biennial PAP awards and conference, held over two days at the Singapore Expo, featured a dedicated tribute to Mr Lee. A video montage showcased reflections from party members and colleagues, celebrating his pivotal role as prime minister and party leader.
In a brief address, Mr Lee expressed deep gratitude to party members for their support throughout his tenure. “It’s been a tremendous honour and privilege for me to serve. I’m very happy that we have reached this point,” he said, as reported by CNA. He encouraged members to “work hard” with an election approaching.
Deputy Prime Minister and PAP chairman Heng Swee Keat described the occasion as a fitting moment to honour Mr Lee’s leadership.
According to CNA, Mr Heng praised Mr Lee’s steady hand during critical periods, including the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Mr Lee’s leadership, key initiatives such as SkillsFuture, the Pioneer Generation package, and ComCare were launched to ensure the welfare of Singaporeans.
Mr Heng credited Mr Lee with modernising Singapore as a smart nation and a global hub, noting that this progress occurred amidst intensifying geopolitical challenges.
“On behalf of the party, and our comrades in Teck Ghee and Ang Mo Kio, thank you, secretary-general, for four decades of guidance, wisdom and foresight,” Mr Heng said
Decades of service
Mr Lee became secretary-general of the PAP in November 2004, three months after becoming Singapore’s third prime minister. Over 20 years, he led 10 successive central executive committees (CECs), the PAP’s top decision-making body.
He first entered politics in 1984, representing Teck Ghee as an MP before its integration into Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in 1991.
In a statement, the PAP expressed gratitude for Mr Lee’s “exemplary leadership, service and contributions to the party”.
Supporting new leadership
The PAP aims to secure a strong mandate under Mr Wong’s leadership, a crucial step as the party seeks to rebuild trust following a challenging period. Its performance in the 2020 general election marked its weakest since independence, with a reduced vote share of 61.2%, as noted by CNA.
Since then, the party has faced public scrutiny over several high-profile incidents, including corruption charges against former Minister S Iswaran. These challenges are compounded by rising costs of living, which remain a pressing concern for Singaporeans.
Acknowledging these headwinds, Mr Wong is expected to steer the PAP toward addressing these issues as it heads into the next election.
Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat called for unity among party members and the public, urging Singaporeans to “rally support” and secure a strong mandate to move forward together.
Recognising contributions
The conference also recognised 448 party activists for their service and dedication to Singapore’s residents. Dr S Vasoo, a former MP, was awarded the Meritorious Service Star Medal for his long-standing contributions to communities in Ang Mo Kio, Tiong Bahru, and Tanjong Pagar.
Over 3,000 attendees, including activists, volunteers, and guests, participated in the event. The celebrations culminated in a ceremonial toast of “yam seng” to honour Mr Lee’s service and the PAP’s ongoing mission.
Leadership transition ahead
On Sunday, the PAP will elect its 38th central executive committee, with key appointments, including secretary-general, to be finalised in the coming weeks.
The transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the PAP under Mr Wong’s leadership, as the party prepares for the nation’s next electoral challenge.
However, no announcement has been made regarding the election’s timing, leaving the population anticipating further details.
