Yesterday I had a good chat with a dear mentor, colleague, comrade, and friend, ESM Goh Chok Tong. We have worked alongside each other for nearly 40 years. So it was with sadness that I accepted his letter informing me that he had decided to retire from politics at the forthcoming General Elections.
Chok Tong has had an extraordinary political journey. He became MP for Marine Parade at 35, where he has served since 1976! He held multiple portfolios before being asked by his fellow ministers (including me) to be Singapore’s second Prime Minister, and he did not let Singapore down.
I am forever personally indebted to Chok Tong, who brought me into politics. Ours was a fruitful comradeship that spanned the entirety of my years in politics and most of his — a close friendship between two prime ministers that would be the envy of many countries.
I am glad Chok Tong has found a successor as Chairman of the PAP Marine Parade Branch — Dr Tan See Leng. I am also glad that he will maintain his links to Marine Parade, as Chairman Emeritus of Marine Parade Branch and Adviser Emeritus to Marine Parade GROs. So MParader will still be around! Chok Tong has also agreed to become Senior Adviser to The People's Association on a pro bono basis, and will continue to chair the Governing Board of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Singapore will continue to benefit from his insights and experience.
On behalf of all Singaporeans, I thank Chok Tong for a lifetime of distinguished service to his country and people.
Quo Vadis, Chok Tong? Whatever you choose to do, I wish you a happy retirement. – LHL
You may read Chok Tong's letter to me here: https://go.gov.sg/u37qxn
You may read my letter to Chok Tong here: https://go.gov.sg/ucixh5
(MCI Photo by Fyrol)
