GRATITUDE AND fond memories of working alongside the man who grew Singapore from strength to strength. These are common themes from Government Ministers who paid tribute to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong this Monday evening (Apr 15), after he announced that he will hand over leadership of Singapore to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 15.
Heng Swee Keat: Selflessly dedicated leader
Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat recalled the many episodes of uncertainties Singapore has had to navigate over the past two decades, such as the global financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and today’s fractured geopolitical environment.
Through all this, PM Lee remained selflessly dedicated to the country, leading with “quiet wisdom and a steady hand”.
“Today, Singapore stands out as a beacon of openness and collaboration amid a more reticent global environment. At a time when societies are growing more fragmented, Singaporeans continue to be optimistic about the future, and come together to enlarge our common space and build a cohesive society.”
Chan Chun Sing: PM Lee kept the system clean
Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing looked to how PM Lee is handing over a clean political system.
“Policy nous and many other things can be honed. But the most important values that PM has shown us is the critical task to keep our system clean and upright to inspire more good people to come forward and serve,” he said.
“We are thankful for PM’s leadership and service to Singapore, always putting the country and people before self. We will endeavour to uphold this same spirit for every generation,” he continued.
Teo Chee Hean: A Forward transition
“Thank you very much PM Lee Hsien Loong for your leadership as PM. All the very best to DPM Lawrence Wong as he takes on this leadership responsibility,” said Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.
“Let us work together for a smooth transition and look Forward to a successful future for Singapore.”
K Shanmugam: Singapore has progressed tremendously under PM Lee
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said that Singapore has progressed tremendously in the 20 years with Mr Lee as PM and its GDP has gone up four-fold. He added that it has been a tremendous privilege to have worked with PM Lee and he might write about that someday. “Now to a new era, with new PM Lawrence, to work with everyone, and continue the progress.”
Chee Hong Tat: PM Lee made public transport better
Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat paid tribute to PM Lee for enhancing Singapore’s air, sea and land transport systems as well as a cutting-edge hub for trade and travel.
“PM once said that public transport is a social equaliser, connecting people and places – it is a shared experience of living in Singapore, where Singaporeans from all walks of life use public transport to go to work, school and recreation. Over the years, we have been improving our public transport system, with Singaporeans in mind,” he said.
“In the past two decades, we have significantly improved rail reliability and connectivity, expanding our rail network from 128 km connecting 85 stations in 2004, to 258km connecting 200 stations in 2024. We have also expanded bus services and improved service standards and waiting times,” he added.
Grace Fu: PM Lee’s mentorship was terrific
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu shared how PM Lee supported sustainability policies like the 30 by 30 vision for food security and the Singapore Green Plan. She also remembers him as “a terrific mentor and leader”.
“Besides interacting with him as a boss, I will also cherish the moments when he shared about his daily lives, such as outings with his grandchildren, the design of his latest National Day shirt, and anecdotes from his interactions with the people. Through these years, I have witnessed PM Lee’s empathy, fairness and integrity at work. Along with his intellect and knowledge, these qualities have made working for him easy even when he is demanding and sharp,” said Minister Fu.
Zaqy Mohamed: PM Lee championed a united Singapore
“As we reflect on the leadership of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, we celebrate the strides Singapore has made under his stewardship. PM Lee has not only preserved the legacy of his predecessors but has also magnified Singapore’s presence on the global stage,” said Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamed.
“He has championed policies that ensure all Singaporeans, regardless of socio-economic status, have the opportunity to thrive,” added SMS Zaqy, pointing out how PM Lee’s enhanced Progressive Wages policy uplifted lower-wage workers and bridged income gaps.
