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• Lee Hsien Loong endorses Lawrence Wong as the next Secretary-General of Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP).
• Lee will continue serving in the central executive committee in a supporting and advisory role.
• Wong, the current Prime Minister, plans to lead the PAP in the upcoming general election.
• This endorsement continues the tradition of smooth leadership transitions within the PAP.

In a significant political development in Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, the Secretary-General of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), has expressed his support for Lawrence Wong to take over the reins of the party. This announcement was made during the PAP Conference, which was held on Sunday, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Lee Hsien Loong, who also holds the position of Singapore's senior minister, stated that he would propose to the newly formed central executive committee to elect Lawrence Wong, the current Prime Minister of Singapore, as the next Secretary-General of PAP. This move is seen as a significant step in the political landscape of Singapore, marking a potential shift in the leadership of the ruling party.

A New Era in PAP Leadership

In his address, Lee also announced his decision to continue serving in the central executive committee, albeit in a supporting and advisory role. This decision underscores his commitment to the party and the nation, even as he paves the way for new leadership.

Lawrence Wong, who was elected as the deputy secretary-general in 2022, welcomed the endorsement and expressed his vision for the party's future. He emphasized that the PAP would continue to evolve and adapt to better meet the needs of a changing society. He also reiterated the party's commitment to uphold core values such as honesty, integrity, and incorruptibility.

The Road to the General Election

Wong, in his address, noted that he would lead the PAP to compete in the upcoming general election. He urged party members to work diligently for every vote and win the mandate to govern. This call to action reflects his commitment to democratic principles and the party's mission to serve the people of Singapore.

The People's Action Party, founded in 1954, has been the ruling party of Singapore since its independence in 1965. Over the years, the party has seen several leadership transitions, each marking a new era in Singapore's political history. The proposed transition from Lee Hsien Loong to Lawrence Wong is another such significant event.

Historical Transitions in PAP

Historically, leadership transitions within the PAP have been smooth and well-planned. The party's founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, handed over the reins to Goh Chok Tong in 1990, who in turn passed the baton to Lee Hsien Loong in 2004. Each transition was marked by a careful grooming of successors, ensuring stability and continuity in governance.

The endorsement of Lawrence Wong by Lee Hsien Loong is seen as a continuation of this tradition of smooth leadership transition. It also reflects the party's commitment to nurturing new leaders who can carry forward the party's mission and vision.