It was under Lee Hsien Loong's leadership that Singapore's economy became prosperous and diversified. It is known as a major economic center and popular tourist destination worldwide.
And after 20 years in power, the Prime Minister of the island nation of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong has resigned. Lawrence Wong, 51, took office as the new prime minister on Wednesday (May 15). Power was formally handed over to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong.
According to the BBC, Singapore has had only four prime ministers since its independence in 1965. All four were representatives of the People's Action Party (PAP). Singapore's first Prime Minister was Lee Hsien's father, Lee Kuan Yew, who led the country for 25 years. He is called the founder of modern Singapore.
Analysts say Singapore's political leadership will evolve as it moves away from the shadow of the Lee family. However, Lee Hsien Loong will still remain in the cabinet as a senior minister.
Lee thanked Singaporeans for their support in his last interview as prime minister with local media later this week.
Lee also said that he tried to do things in his own way, which is different from his father and predecessor Goh Chok Tong.
Lee entered politics in 1984 while his father was Prime Minister. He took over as the country's prime minister in 2004 after holding important political responsibilities during the country's second prime minister, Goh Chok Tong.
In his early years in politics, he faced various trials. Critics have accused his family of nepotism and building a political dynasty, which he has repeatedly denied. But during his two decades in power, he has developed the country and the people with his work.
It was under his leadership that Singapore's economy became prosperous and diversified. It is known as a major economic center and popular tourist destination worldwide. GDP per capita has more than doubled in the last two decades. He and his administration were instrumental in successfully steering Singapore through various political crises, including the recession, the global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lee Hsien Loong has also shown considerable success in geopolitics. He was able to balance relations with the US and China amid regional competition.
He topped polls of Singapore's most popular politicians, as well as consistently polling the highest number of votes in his constituency during elections.
But despite his enormous popularity, public dissatisfaction with his administration's immigration policies grew. He and his administration have come under fire as Singapore's economic growth has been accompanied by rising social inequality and rising income inequality. In 2011 and 2020, the People's Action Party got the lowest number of votes in the country's history under his leadership.
Lee has now handed over power to Lawrence Wong. Wong came to power from outside Singapore's traditional Lee family. After taking office on Wednesday, Wong promised a completely new leadership, one that would be different from previous generations.
Bangladesh /MP