Although he did not specify the precise date, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced today that Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will take over as leader prior to the next general election.

If all goes according to plan, he will complete the task by November 21 of the next year, which is the PAP's 70th birthday.

Speaking to more than a thousand members of the People's Action Party (PAP), of which Wong serves as deputy secretary-general and Lee as secretary-general, Lee stated that "high quality leadership" is essential to the PAP government's ability to accomplish its three main goals, which are to win elections, maintain order, and govern competently.

After nearly 40 years in office, Lee claimed that the PAP governments "no way" could have implemented the necessary and difficult measures over the long run if they had been preoccupied with the prospect of losing power in the next election.

"A weak government holding onto power by a thin majority, or with the ruling party and policies chopping and changing after every election, could not have built today's Singapore," he continued.

The PAP might face challenges or be replaced, he said, but government "has to be there" at all times since it is the foundation of democracy.

Future elections will then not be about how many seats the opposition should win, but instead about which party wins a majority to form the next government.

“They will be about whether the winning party receives a strong enough mandate, and has enough capable members of parliament, to form a competent Cabinet and govern Singapore well and for the long term,” said Lee.

He continued by saying that the PAP will continue to consider long term even if it just has a one-seat majority in Parliament and that the opposition will try to reassure voters that they shouldn't fear and that their parties don't intend to form the next administration.

"But voters have to be concerned—lives and futures are on the line," Lee stated.

As a result, Lee stated that in order for the PAP to continue garnering a sizable mandate, the party must continue to put up great effort in its election preparations.

To do this, the party needs to uphold the integrity and confidence in PAP, clearly state its vision, prioritise the long-term interests of the country, and implement sound policies that help Singaporeans.

"No justification" for postponing political change

Speaking to the party faithful at the Party Awards and Convention, which took place at the Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre, Lee stated that careful deliberation with ministers representing the third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) leadership slates was conducted prior to the decision to transfer leadership.

He pointed out that Wong and the 4G leadership group have been in the position for a long time, have gradually assumed more responsibility, and are ready to step in.

Among the most important things the 4G leaders have accomplished, according to Lee, are guiding the country through the Covid-19 outbreak and working with Singaporeans in the Forward SG exercise to determine future paths.

Lee stated, "Lawrence (Wong) has informed me that he is ready."

"I have complete faith in Lawrence and his group. There's no justification for postponing the political shift.

Following the handover, Lee stated that he will be available to "the new PM" and go anywhere the latter deems him fit.

Lee declared, "I will do everything in my power to support him and his team as they fight for and win the next GE and carry out their duties."

"I want to support him in carrying out his duties as the nation's leader so that Singapore can prosper for many years to come, even after I and my fellow 3G ministers retire."