Singapore Prime Minister Lee sworn into office

May 30, 2006, 14:21 GMT

Singapore - Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was sworn into office Tuesday after a general election that delivered a resounding popular mandate for his rule.

Lee, 54, took the oath of office followed by members of his cabinet at a ceremony attended by 700 guests from all walks life life.

'Our future will be decided by developments outside Singapore,' Lee said. 'It is critical how we respond and create opportunities' for ourselves.

He mentioned the rapid growth of China and India, the opening of new markets and a 'rising Asia creating new opportunities.'

Noting oil prices have tripled in recent years, Lee said, 'It is vital to understand how the world is changing.'

He also warned of a possible bird flu pandemic and terrorism in the region.

Artists, sports figures, teachers, disabled persons, ordinary workers, students and religious leaders joined politicians, top civil servants and foreign dignitaries at the ceremony, and then mingled at an outside reception.

Following Lee in the oath taking presided over by President SR was Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, the premier's father, Deputy Prime Ministers S. Jayakumar and Wong Kan Seng and the rest.

The inauguration followed the May 6 polls in which Lee Hsien Loong, head of the ruling People's Action Party, swept 66.6 per cent of the votes and kept opposition parties to only two seats in the 84- member parliament.

Lee inherited the premiership in August 2004 when Goh stepped down after 14 years. Goh was named prime minister in 1990 by the senior Lee, Singapore's founding father, under the city-state's orchestrated transitions.

The inauguration took place at the Istana, a British colonial-era building where top leaders have their offices and important diplomatic functions are held.

The guest list was smaller than the one held in August 2004, but the style remained the same. At that occasion about 1,400 guests, from holders of the plainest jobs to the highest offices, marked the transition to Lee from Goh.

Previous swearing-in ceremonies had been solemn affairs, attended only by members of parliament, top civil servants and the cream of the establishment.

'This is about the people of Singapore and therefore it is appropriate and appreciated that they are present too,' said incoming Senior Parliamentary Secretary Masagos Zulfikli.

The PAP has won every election since independence from Malalysia in 1965, never losing more than four seats in parliament or garnering less than 61 per cent of the vote.

It is credited with Singapore's dynamic economic growth and prosperity, but attacked by critics for its harsh restrictions on dissent.