SINGAPORE is believed to be in good arms beneath the management of the nation’s new prime minister, Lawrence Wong, mentioned President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Talking earlier than Wong took the oath, President Tharman mentioned the brand new Prime Minister and his workforce would construct on the sturdy foundations laid by earlier leaders and governments, and “hold our little crimson dot shining even brighter”.
“Our greatest years are nonetheless forward,” he mentioned.
Greater than 800 individuals – together with well being staff, spiritual leaders, lecturers, college students and neighborhood volunteers – gathered on the Palace on Wednesday night to witness Singapore’s third management handover in 59 years.
On Monday, Tharman acknowledged outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s intention to resign and, on Lee’s recommendation, invited then-Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to kind the subsequent authorities.
Lee has served as Prime Minister since 2004. On Wednesday, he was sworn in as Senior Minister.
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The president mentioned he was assured in Wong’s capacity to guide the nation.
“He will likely be his personal particular person, together with his personal method to constructing consensus and discovering one of the simplest ways for this nation. And he’ll definitely do it at his personal tempo,” he mentioned.
Wong took over as Singapore’s chief at a time of nice energy contestation and a weakening worldwide order, Tharman mentioned.
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Nonetheless, he mentioned the Prime Minister and his workforce – consisting of skilled arms and fourth technology, or 4G, leaders – have been properly positioned to ensure the nation’s nationwide pursuits and advance unity in ASEAN.
He highlighted Wong’s position in shaping Singapore’s financial, fiscal and social insurance policies and his work to advance staff’ pursuits.
“As co-chair of the covid-19 activity workforce, he was calm and agency beneath stress. And on the worldwide stage, he was capable of discuss to worldwide leaders.”
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Tharman additionally famous Wong and the 4G workforce wish to refresh Singapore’s social pact and have outlined their Ahead SG roadmap.
Greater than 200,000 Singaporeans participated in dialogue and engagement periods to debate points starting from getting older to careers as a part of the Ahead SG train.
The train, which begins in June 2022 and continues for 16 months, is led by Wong and different 4G leaders.
“They need to discover inventive methods to deepen our connections as fellow Singaporeans, as our society continues to vary and folks have extra numerous views and pursuits.”
He described Wong as “an individual who primarily listens”.
“Those that have labored with Mr. Wong, in authorities and locally, know that he brings his personal package deal of confidence, life expertise and expertise.”
Tharman mentioned he was dedicated to working with the Prime Minister and his authorities, and had had frank private discussions with Lee prior to now eight months.
“We’ve got a mutual understanding of our respective roles and duties in Singapore’s governance system. I sit up for sustaining this shut and productive relationship with Wong.”
Lee’s dedication
The President additionally thanked Lee for his devotion to Singapore and “extraordinary management” as Prime Minister for twenty years.
“In 2004, when Lee was sworn in, he promised to ‘be Prime Minister for all Singaporeans’, and to go away nobody behind. He fulfilled this promise,” mentioned Tharman.
“Singapore has a remodeling financial system, with good jobs in each sector and far larger actual incomes throughout the workforce.”
He added Singapore has grow to be extra inclusive and is doing extra to uplift deprived teams.
“Lee additionally maintained the spirit of the inhabitants via the worldwide monetary disaster and the Covid-19 pandemic, main crises that divided many different societies.
“And he guided us via controversial points just like the repeal of S377A, strengthening understanding and acceptance of one another and sustaining coherence.” (CNA/Z-3)
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