WORLD : Singapore’s Lee Steps Down
SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the political superman who transformed a marshy island into a high-tech mecca of prosperity, formally submitted his resignation today after 31 years at the helm.
In the letter given to President Wee Kim Wee, the 67-year-old Lee cited his carefully orchestrated plan to turn over the No. 1 job to Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
The resignation takes effect Wednesday when Goh is sworn in during ceremonies at City Hall, where Lee took his oath of office more than three decades ago.
“This is the first change of prime minister in 31 years,” said Lee, noting he has tried to assure a smooth transfer of authority for the 2.7 million Singaporeans.
Lee, the world’s longest-serving, democratically elected head of state, is not stepping out of the political arena. He is assuming the position of senior Cabinet minister and retaining the secretary-generalship of the ruling People’s Action Party.
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