In his farewell address at the May Day Rally 2024, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reflected on Singapore’s progress and outlined the future challenges and opportunities facing the nation.
On May 1, 2024, at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the nation during the May Day Rally. This significant speech marked his final address as Prime Minister before handing over his duties to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 15. This event was not just a ceremonial handover but also an opportunity for PM Lee to reflect on the achievements and trials Singapore has faced under his leadership.
In his speech, PM Lee expressed deep gratitude towards the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), acknowledging the pivotal role of the labor unions in Singapore’s development and the personal support they provided throughout his tenure. He reminisced about the key milestones during his leadership, from economic transformations and overcoming crises like the Asian Financial Crisis and SARS to enhancing the quality of life for Singaporeans through initiatives in housing, public transport, and healthcare.
PM Lee highlighted the transformative projects that have reshaped Singapore’s infrastructure and economy, such as the development of Punggol 21 and improvements in public transport and healthcare systems. He also discussed the evolution of Singapore’s education system to provide broad opportunities and cater to diverse talents and interests across the society.
Acknowledging the upcoming challenges, PM Lee emphasized the importance of social cohesion, long-term planning, and political stability. He pointed out that Singapore’s success depends heavily on its ability to maintain these values and urged future generations to continue safeguarding these principles.
As PM Lee prepares to step down, his speech not only served as a reflection of his accomplishments but also as a call to action for the future leaders of Singapore. He urged all Singaporeans to support the incoming administration and to continue contributing to the nation’s success. His message was clear: the collective effort and unity of Singaporeans will be crucial in navigating the uncertain future and ensuring the continued prosperity and stability of the nation.
Source – PMO
