SINGAPORE — The Workers' Party (WP) and Progress Singapore Party (PSP) on Wednesday (May 15) congratulated Mr Lawrence Wong as he prepares to take over as Singapore's prime minister from Mr Lee Hsien Loong.

In a statement, WP chief and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh also acknowledged and thanked Mr Lee for his "long years of public service and leadership", including his 20 years as Singapore's third prime minister.

"Mr Wong is taking over the leadership of our nation during an era of greater political contestation, with voters expecting greater transparency, and a greater say in public policies," Mr Singh said.

"The road ahead for our nation remains challenging in view of an uncertain and more unpredictable external environment on the one hand, and significant generational shifts on the domestic front on the other.

"To meet these challenges, a greater diversity of voices by way of elected opposition members in Parliament can be an important stabiliser for our politics, a source of strength, and expression of confidence in our people and our nation."

Mr Singh wished Mr Wong "the very best" in his new role, adding that the WP will "continue to play our legislative role to advance the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans".

'NEW BEGINNING'

PSP chief Hazel Poa thanked Mr Lee for his service to Singapore as a prime minister for 20 years, and welcomed Mr Wong’s administration as a “new beginning” for the country.

“As Singapore enters a new beginning, new possibilities beckon. We extend our warmest congratulations to the fourth prime minister of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong, and wish him all the best as he shoulders new responsibilities,” she said in a statement.

“Echoing his views that the Opposition’s presence in Parliament is here to stay, PSP looks forward to playing a constructive part in our nation building efforts and shaping the outcome of political decisions together with other parties.”

THE HANDOVER

Mr Wong will be sworn in at the Istana at 8pm on Wednesday. 

In an exchange of letters on Monday to formalise the leadership transition, Mr Tharman acknowledged Mr Lee's intention to resign and invited Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to appoint the next government as prime minister.

Mr Tharman thanked Mr Lee for four decades of service in government. Mr Lee was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1984 and took office as prime minister in August 2004.

Mr Lee will stay on in Cabinet as senior minister, following in the footsteps of past prime ministers. CNA