PM Lee began his political career in 1984 when he joined the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). He was first elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for the Teck Ghee Single Member Constituency (SMC) and continued to be the MP for the Tech Ghee division after the SMC merged into the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in 1991. He has led the party to four consecutive Singapore General Election wins, in 2006, 2011, 2015 and 2020.

On his watch, he emphasised and invested in education, including changing the education system to ensure every Singaporean child would attain at least a secondary school education. He also introduced SkillsFuture in 2015, encouraging Singaporeans aged 25 years and above to deepen existing and new skills. In 2015, he shared in a Facebook post that this initiative would provide “Singaporeans opportunities to develop to their full potential, whatever their starting point may be”. In hopes of fostering more young talent, PM Lee also announced his contribution of $50,000 in 2012 to establish a Prime Minister’s Valedictorian Award for the School of The Arts, encouraging budding artists to pursue their passion for the arts.

In 1985, PM Lee was appointed chairman of the Economic Committee, recommending policy changes to help revive Singapore’s economy during the recession. He also headed the Economic Review Committee in 2001, formulating a blueprint to restructure Singapore’s economy.

PM Lee’s path to becoming prime minister was not all that smooth sailing. Succession plans were put in doubt when then-DPM Lee and then-DPM Ong Teng Cheong were both diagnosed with cancer in 1992. In April 1993, it was said that then-DPM Lee was said to be in full remission. In 2004, then-DPM Lee was unanimously nominated to be Singapore’s next leader, succeeding then-PM Goh Chok Tong. PM Lee was sworn in on August 12 of that year.

In his first General Election (GE) since becoming secretary-general of PAP in 2006, he led the party to win 82 out of 84 seats. In the same year, Ang Mo Kio GRC was also contested by opposition Workers’ Party—a first in 15 years. PAP won with 60.42 per cent of votes. PM Lee proceeded to lead the party through three more GE victories, in 2011, 2015 and 2020.

Following the 2007 ministerial salary adjustment, PM Lee announced that he would be donating his salary increment to charity for the next five years. Over the course of that period, he contributed to various community, youth, arts, grassroots and welfare organisations including community nursing homes and voluntary welfare organisations for the less fortunate and disadvantaged. In 2012, he donated $200,000 to establish a Community Initiative Fund (CIF) to sponsor community projects and strengthen resident bonds.

PM Lee released a statement in 2012 sharing the importance of ensuring that “no Singaporean is left behind”. He highlighted professionals in the social service sector and how they can help the less fortunate. To encourage more Singaporeans to choose careers in social service, he donated $100,000 to set up the Prime Minister’s Social Service Award.

NOW READ 

From Majulah package to new housing frameworks: 5 highlights from National Day Rally 2023

Like and follow: 8 Singapore politicians you should be following on TikTok and Instagram now

Nepal’s first and only billionaire entrepreneur is also a politician and philanthropist