PM Lee Hsien Loong's Interview with Local Media (May 2024)

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sat down for an interview with local media ahead of the leadership transition. The interview was aired in 2 parts on 10 and 11 May 2024.
The transcript is available on the PMO website: www.pmo.gov.sg
0:00 Looking forward to the handover
0:30 On Singapore's foreign policy
4:38 Protecting Singapore's national interests
8:42 Relations with Malaysia and Indonesia
14:09 On US-China relations
20:49 Singapore's contribution on the global stage
24:13 Will the new leadership be tested
26:06 On foreign talent
34:37 "I wish I had been born later"
41:12 Concerns faced by older workers
45:44 On lifelong learning and upskilling
48:37 Has PM used his SkillsFuture credit yet
49:30 Is globalisation still relevant
54:51 On ASEAN
1:00:16 On Myanmar
1:04:00 On generational safety nets
1:07:49 On self-reliance
1:16:55 Building the Singapore Identity
1:22:15 On the Malay-Muslim community
1:36:12 On the Singapore Indian community
1:39:51 Dealing with hostile influence operations
1:49:46 Tackling racism in Singapore
1:54:21 On keeping Singapore cohesive
1:55:45 How the PAP has evolved
1:59:33 How has politics changed in Singapore
2:12:25 Convincing young people to join politics
2:15:06 Advice for young people joining politics
2:17:23 On connecting with people through social media
2:18:19 On PM Lee's post-handover role

[@Kayps]

I need interviews like this every once in a while. To help make sense of what is going on, and to know or least understand the right way of thinking in this continuous complicating society and world that we live in. God knows how many times I've gone back to watch the Charlie Rose, Economic Forum interviews etc. So much wisdom not just in the responses but the thinking behind the responses. Please don't stop doing interviews PM Lee and thank you.

[@solomonpoon]

At 2:21:00 in the last 15 seconds of the interview you can actually see him on the verge of tears. As he says "Well I didn't try to run faster than everybody else, I tried to bring everyone to run with me". Thank you PM Lee

[@JIANGTG]

PM LHL is a very outstanding statesman. He constantly and selflessly devoted his time and efforts for the improvement of well-being of the nation and people. I express my SALUTE and THANKS to PM and wish him good health.

[@fubuorelse]

wish the US had this gentleman in charge - we need more men like him

[@vrsara8106]

Thank you PM Lee Sir. You are very intelligent, calm & compose ❤❤

[@Cdubsworth]

I’ve learned much from this video. What a fascinating culture and predicament ‘Spore’ has. I wish PM would come next to US and clear up this political mess over here 😂 So great listening to you speak PM Lee. Within these comments, the good people of Singapore clearly support this man. You speak honestly and openly while addressing the public. GREAT leadership! Take care everyone ❤

[@ZainiJaffar-tb6bn]

Thank you prime minister, thank you your Excellency Mr.Lee🙏🙏🙏

[@trevorfine9313]

I'm shocked that 24 hours after the final departing words of the PM of one of the most successful, well-managed, and prosperous countries in the world, there is only one comment and 19 thousand views. And this is the official minister's office channel. Whereas some pop star can get 10 million views hours after a release single. State of the world. This is a candid conversation about the global concerns from one of the great leaders of the world and I feel it a privilege to listen to his thoughts. Respect to Singapore from America.

[@shamha1626]

Most just want entertainment to relax their minds nobody wants to think and use their brain

[@xintechtips5512]

Thank you Mr. Lee for your great leadership, so we have a much better Singapore today.

[@pils7611]

A great statesman. Thanks for you long years of service, sir!!

[@GODLIMIT]

I am here to salute PM Lee Hsien Loong before the handover so that I can address him as such. I cannot imagine the huge sacrifices that he has made in service to the nation throughout his adult life, and the incredible weight of responsibilities that he has shouldered as our country's leader over the past 20 years. The whole world envies Singapore for our outstanding leadership. No matter your brand of politics or ideology, you cannot deny the contributions of PM Lee, who even prior to assuming the top mantle, was already serving our country as an outstanding military officer. I can only hope that the next PM Lawrence Wong will follow in his predecessors' footsteps and continue to take Singapore forward. Majulah Singapura!

[@josephrenthlei4788]

This man and his father are true statesmen and gentlemen. Singapore is so lucky to have people like this man.

[@csy7373]

All Singaporeans should watch this clip... just to have a glimpse of the challenges this little red has, beyond its shores and in this island. Really fortunate to have this long standing government who has a superb long view of not just its survival, but also on its relevance in the global stage. Kudos to PM Lee who has led us thus far and ensures a seamless transition to our 4G leaders.

[@ericwong7460]

Great respect to PM Lee

[@czw6537]

No leader is perfect but Singapore has been blessed with three generations of good governance and sacrificial service. Some have called us a miracle and I have no doubt that this miracle will continue with PM Wong. “Come whatever on the road ahead We did it before, and we'll do it again”.

[@hongkietee8049]

Two thumbs up for former PM Lee Hsien Loong 🤝🙏 Wish I would have a leader like you, thinking wise and big for the Country not for....

[@xumengyuan7890]

A very insightful and inspiring dialogue for the future generations.

[@mayteng71128]

Mr. Prime Minister Lee, thank you for all the benefits you have brought to us in Singapore, the sacrifices you have made for us, and all you have built for our country. Thank you for everything you have done for us. I just want to say a big 🎉"THANK YOU!" 🎉 to you and to your family. May God bless you and your family with peace always.

[@piotrek4748]

Brilliant guy Greetings from polish expat living in Scotland - more PM's like him would elevate UE to the next level

[@arcencielc2065]

Thank you, PM Lee. Singapore and Singaporeans are lucky to have you as the PM.

[@franklim9672]

PM Lee : we owe it to the Pioneer and Merdeka generations for getting us here. Their children, like the young reporter : ya, they brought us into the world, in Singapore, biologically.

[@yenthimuthu7245]

Sir You Have Been Supporting The Nations As Our Prime Minister Thanks.

[@arcencielc2065]

I didn't realise it until the end of this video: the journalists reflect racial harmony in Singapore - Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian. Thank you for being so thoughtful.

[@Jtnn713]

You realize that's exactly what they wanted to portray right, so in that sense it's not genuine.

[@ilangovan4898]

A pragmatic leader with good understanding of unique Singapore social fabric and foundation work done by leaders like LKY. His contribution to engage people, political leaders and Government machinery towards common goal will go long way building future Singapore stronger and vibrant. Big Salute to our beloved PM.

[@antonimok2092]

P.m Lee Sien knew me can smile laugh always , had planning to live into Singapore , only oversea from my Jambi city . Glad to hear talking with word high school , me can learn more again .

[@Name-yr1hg]

Thank you for making this available. Thank you very much indeed for the serving the nation and for looking out for Singapore. Very grateful to have a leader like PM Lee.

[@Onlyme.n.u]

I wish there will be more world leaders just like this outgoing Singaporean leader, Mr Lee. He has been amazing and only one of the few leaders be able to work closely with America and China without any conflict. He was well-educated and competent to lead a country. It's a bit sad to see him go, but I wish him all the best for him in the future. I am not even a Singaporean but I really admire how he made Singapore in such a good country, a prosperous and political stable. Well done, Mr Lee and Singapore. 👍👏

[@uegenetristan]

Thank you sir for your service all these years! This “exit interview “ 😅 summed up succinctly your dedication and love for our countrymen and Singapore!

[@maderliling3204]

You are a great 👍 Prime Minister may your life be blessed that others may follow Almighty God’s guidance be with you because God interfere with the affairs of the nation ❤ I like your ideas too Greeting’s from Canada 🇨🇦

[@marchphing5316]

We appreciate and love you, dear PM Lee 😊❤

[@theadventurer1602]

Thank you, PM Lee for your service ♥

[@natural.oil.tachikoma]

The magic cup like lost it's power as pm lee is ending his tenure. Thank you for your service!

[@simonpang7261]

Thank you PM Lee.

[@nssala3174]

Thank you PM Lee!

[@cookiesarenice829]

Thank you PM Lee ❤️

[@lompanglompang6628]

Look forward to reading your memoir 🙂🙂

[@mand1009]

You have proven to be a second best in comparison to your father and have continued in your father's legacy, having the foresight in building a nation to what it is today. Giving out so much earnestly for the people of Singapore. I can, therefore, only salute you for your dedication and huge contribution made during your time of governance. Great work. No words can justify how grateful we are to you, PM Lee.

[@ImperialArmour]

My age group is paying into system, and taking very little out of it. We want lesser taxes, lesser welfare.

[@gohzhao3452]

Prime minister farewell Lee Hsien Loong and Mrs Lee Hsien Loong outgoing to 1 Sep 2004 to 15 May 2024

[@fieryhound]

why does it cut off abruptly at the end?

[@jusTice-hb9gw]

Will Miss U!

[@howeichin4103]

Nice! Thank you for the service!

[@wadiefaridhaddad7429]

Vraiment sympathique

[@caiby48]

It is not easy as PM and ministers and likewise not easy as commoners of singapore. Well done to all 😂

[@lecherhao86]

I'm a bit ruffled by the question on success. I get a 3 room bto and clear it with my cpf. I enjoy no debt. Am i less successful than others? Surely at this day and age, we can't still be measuring success by how wealthy you are right?

[@BaySean]

7:50 first NDR 10:04 Rail Corridor

[@mdavidtan]

The amount of info he need to know and by getting million salary is so low for him considering banking CEOs get way much more

[@UtopiaParadiseValley]

Thank you very much for your public service for Singaporeans. Please inform the successor to buy some Comcac C919 and C929 for Sg budget airlines seriously. No spare parts, technical issues flight delays and cancelled. It is a real business operations requirement needs due to capability impact. It is not because we buy U.S Boeing airliner and combat F-35 we gonna buy China Comcac airliner to maintain balance. U.S and europe aviation industries are having global spare parts supply chain issues. The next best friend to keep our country airline business going will be China aviation technology. Please share this issue with the successor. We must keep our SG founder airliner business going continuously.

[@pauluswisnu]

👪

[@mandeepbhowmick5219]

1:38:50

[@jimmyquek6536]

The journalist in blue jacket stood out among the rest... Well done.

[@xijinpig7978]

LHL treat his people better than his father 1. LKY says no more than 2, LHL gives out baby bonus for more the merrier 2. LKL says less car ownership, LHL gives ridership without ownership 3. LKL says no recreational, LHL gives 2 casinos and home gambling 4. LKL says dont go to taiwan anymore, LHL maintained relationship with both Taiwan and Northern Taiwan

[@antonimok2092]

Onlooker show question &answer p.m Lee Sien long & report media people wear word high school now . Learn more , intend to live into region village Singapore but now , money insufficient , dollar singapore almost same dollar USA.

[@tangt4860]

The imperial system was self declared Mandate from Heaven but did it help the people?

[@MonkLifeJapan]

1:50:03 Definition of wokeness

[@Gary-cc8oe]

Bro now u got no more land in Singapore, u need Johor & Malaysia...Why don't you guys just re-join Malaysia where you were kicked out last time??

[@raj.yadav007]

softball interview

[@LordPagliarello]

The west should learn from some Asian countries. One reason I prefer living in Asia.

[@franklim9672]

This video is from the PM office.😂 Allow me to elaborate on what the PM cannot diplomatically say. China Chinese is Communist Chinese. Spore Chinese is the original Confucius Chinese. India Indians are from the upper class Indians and speak Hindi. Spore Indians were from the poorer region and speak Tamil. I hope the PM office do not delete this. 😂 The Pioneer and Merdeka generation were poor and uneducated people. It is their children who are educated and build modern Spore.

[@GODLIMIT]

Please do not downplay or belittle the contributions of the Pioneer and Merdeka generations. Just because they were less educated does not mean that their contributions are inferior to the generations after them. You cannot measure hard work, commitment and progress with an economic ruler or plot patriotism on a graph. What you can say definitively is this: Without the pioneering generations, there is no modern Singapore to speak of.

[@NPSi]

You mean, the cow produced the milk and the cheese gets the name.

[@StepVerification]

60多岁的父母辛苦把他拉扯大，没有享受到徐勤根一天的照顾，如今在农村生活无依无靠