Lawrence Wong sworn in as Singapore's fourth PM

SINGAPORE - Lawrence Wong was sworn in as Singapore’s fourth prime minister at the Istana, tonight.

Wong, 51, succeeds Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who led the nation for nearly 20 years.

The ceremony, broadcast live on television and streamed on social media platforms, began with the national anthem, Majulah Singapura followed by a speech from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Subsequently, Wong took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for Due Execution of Office in the presence of the President and Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon.

The Member of Parliament for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, who retains his portfolio as Minister of Finance, then signed the Oaths.

The President then presented Wong with the instrument of appointment.

Next to be sworn in were Deputy Prime Ministers Gan Kim Yong (also Minister for Trade and Industry) and Heng Swee Keat, as well as Senior Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Teo Chee Hean. Teo is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security.

Following that, 14 Ministers, nine Senior Ministers of State, and five Ministers of State were also sworn in. Another Minister of State, Murali Pillai, will be appointed and sworn in on July 1.

All ministers recited and signed the Affirmation of Allegiance and the Affirmation for Due Execution of Office, and received their instruments of appointment from the President.

Wong announced his Cabinet lineup on Monday, May 13, after Lee formally informed the President of his intention to resign on May 15, and that his government would be resigning the same day. - BERNAMA