SINGAPORE – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 68, said on Saturday that he may have to delay his plans to step down as leader by the time he is 70 because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
"I had expressed a hope that I would be able to hand over by the time I celebrate my 70th birthday but I do not determine the path of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Lee, son of Singapore's modern day founder Lee Kuan Yew.
"A lot will depend on how events unfold and all I can say is I will see this through and I will handover in good shape as soon as possible to the next team."
Lee's People's Action Party have ruled Singapore unbroken since independence in 1965.
RELATED PHOTOS
-
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrives at a People's Action Party branch office, as ballots are counted during the city's general election on July 11. | REUTERS
Your news needs your support
Since the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis, The Japan Times has been providing free access to crucial news on the impact of the novel coronavirus as well as practical information about how to cope with the pandemic. Please consider subscribing today so we can continue offering you up-to-date, in-depth news about Japan.
