By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy. I recommend him to take over from me. I will continue to contribute to Marine Parade and Singapore in other ways.”. You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month. Prime Minister’s Office. SINGAPORE – Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, 79, is retiring from politics after 44 years as a Member of Parliament. Dear Chok Tong, Thank you for your letter of 24 June 2020. On Wednesday, Mr Goh informed PM Lee of his decision to retire from politics at the general election, and yesterday, PM Lee wrote a valedictory letter to Mr Goh accepting his decision and thanking him for his contributions. He served as Minister for Trade and Industry, Health and Defence between 1979 and 1990, and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in 1985. These projects inspired national programmes like the Youth Corps Singapore, the SG Cares Community Network, and the Uplift programme which MOE is now rolling out across Singapore. “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. In 1990, ESM Goh succeeded Lee Kuan Yew as Singapore's second prime minister. See Leng connects well with residents, branch members and grassroots leaders alike. Hundreds of Pakistani Hazara women are learning how to deliver side kicks and elbow blows as martial arts booms within the marginalised community. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore, GE2020: Ex-MUIS deputy chief exec among PAP's new candidates. SINGAPORE - Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, 79, is retiring from politics after 44 years as a Member of Parliament. But I should not. Emeritus Senior Minister. Goh Chok Tong suggests health scare triggered his retirement and that its “too late” to reverse his decision Follow us on Social Media Send in your scoops to news@theindependent.sg When Myanmar opened up in 2011, your personal relationship with their leaders gave our companies an entry to seize the economic opportunities there. PM Lee also put up a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, saying that he is “forever indebted” to ESM Goh, who brought him into politics. COVID-19: Vaccinated migrant worker is sole new local case, China mulls mixing vaccines to improve efficacy of jabs, China hits Alibaba with record $2.78bn fine for market abuses, COVID-19: Singapore confirms 32 new cases including 1 in community, Scores killed in Myanmar crackdown as UN envoy calls for 'strong action', Virus lockdowns around the world as vaccine efforts stumble, France says Turkey 'deliberately' snubbed EU Commission chief, NASA delays Mars copter flight for tech check, 'Up to 80 percent' in Sicily refuse AZ vaccine: president, Iran atomic agency says nuclear facility hit by act of 'terrorism', Team Nigma sign Russian player iLTW to replace w33, Kremlin says not moving towards war with Ukraine, A Smart Guide to Investing: An Introduction to REITs Part 1, Russia and China thwarting international response to Myanmar crisis: EU, Heart disease, drugs not 'direct causes' of Floyd death: doctor, Egypt to unveil 'portion' of 3,000-year old city, Pakistan's Hazara women strike back with martial arts, Matsuyama seizes Masters lead with stunning bogey-free 65, Battle for Yemen's Marib heats up, 53 dead in 24 hours: loyalists, Grab draws T. Rowe, Temasek backing for record SPAC deal, Egypt unveils 3,000-year-old 'lost' city near Luxor, Iran starts up advanced centrifuges in nuclear deal breach. Marine Parade has become a vibrant waterfront town filled with warmth, which people of all ages are proud to call home. Fighting for the key Yemeni region of Marib has intensified, with 53 pro-government and Huthi rebel fighters killed in the past 24 hours, loyalist military officials said Saturday. ILTW will be replacing Aliwi "w33" Omar, who was benched by the team and is now "free to pursue any opportunity" to join other teams. Singapore is going through a difficult time because of Covid-19. 198402868E. PM Lee has accepted ESM Goh’s decision to retire, and thanked him for his contributions as prime minister through tough times such as the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2003 SARS outbreak. You also founded the Mediacorp Enable Fund to help persons with disabilities fulfil their aspirations. Residents from other parts of the GRC would often meet you at Meet-the-People Sessions, as you joined your fellow MPs to help residents in their branches. The post A Smart Guide to Investing: An Introduction to REITs Part 1 appeared first on The Smart Investor. I am also glad that you will maintain your links with Marine Parade, as chairman emeritus of the Marine Parade branch and adviser emeritus to Marine Parade GROs (grassroots organisations). Singapore GE2020: ESM Goh Chok Tong exits politics after 44 years, Lunch With Sumiko: 'My mantra was to keep Singapore going', says ESM Goh Chok Tong, I knew I was not to be a seat warmer: Excerpts from Goh Chok Tong's biography, In Pictures: ESM Goh Chok Tong retires from politics. I always looked forward to these opportunities to share my thoughts and concerns candidly with someone who fully understood what was at stake, and to hear your reactions and perspectives. Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (centre) and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the 2015 General Election. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has decided to retire from politics, according to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. SINGAPORE - Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, 79, is retiring from politics after 44 years as a Member of Parliament. We must look for more good men and women to join the team. Goh Chok Tong (left) and PM Lee Hsien Loong in the latter’s office today. Singapore's former prime minister Goh Chok Tong will not be running in the country's upcoming general election. I love the people. But a log-in is still required for our PDFs. GOH CHOK TONG. At the ripe old age of 79, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has decided it is time to bid the political arena goodbye. In a June 28 Facebook post, Goh revealed that he had actually discussed retirement from parliament with the former Workers' Party (WP) chief prior to … All rights reserved. In the process, you built lifelong friendships with your grassroots leaders, and an unbreakable bond with your residents. Archaeologists near Luxor have unearthed just a portion of the "largest" ancient city ever found in Egypt and dating to a golden pharaonic age 3,000 years ago, officials said Saturday. Lee noted that "with sadness" he has accepted Goh's letter informing him of his retirement, which also means the former prime minister will not be running for the upcoming General Election after 44 years of being a member of parliament. You also served as chairman and remain senior adviser of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, guiding MAS to enhance the resilience of the banking system, strengthen links with international partners, promote innovation, and protect retail consumers. He entered politics in 1976, becoming MP for Marine Parade in the General Election that same year. ESM Goh joined the government service in 1964, and was the managing director of Neptune Orient Lines – Singapore’s national shipping company – from 1973 to 1977. Join ST's Telegram channel here and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Former prime minister Goh Chok Tong suggested that it was a health scare that triggered his retirement, in a recent social media post, even though he … Singapore. You were returned as the MP for Marine Parade 11 times, in 10 general elections and one by-election over almost 45 years. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong exchanged letters this week. After leaving the Cabinet, you devoted even more time and energy to your constituency. Mr Goh Chok Tong Emeritus Senior Minister Prime Minister's Office Singapore Thank you for your letter of 24 June 2020. Russia and China are frustrating the international response to the Myanmar crisis, a top European Union diplomat said Sunday, as the death toll from a military crackdown climbed past 700. Singapore's former PM Goh Chok Tong retires from politics Goh, an economist by training, entered politics in 1976 and was first elected to parliament as MP … I decided to step down as PM in 2004 after the economy had recovered from Sars and when you were in place to take over as my successor. You initiated the Tianjin Eco-City and Guangzhou Knowledge City, creating new platforms for Singapore to collaborate with China. SINGAPORE - Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, 79, is retiring from politics after 44 years as a Member of Parliament. We need more lion-hearted people to secure Singapore's place in an increasingly turbulent world. Goh Chok Tong Writes Letter To PM Lee Saying He Will Retire From Politics. It has been my greatest honour and privilege to have served the party, residents of Marine Parade, Singapore and Singaporeans for the past 44 years. NASA has delayed by at least several days the first flight of its mini-helicopter on Mars after a possible tech issue emerged while testing its rotors, the US space agency said Saturday. With sadness, I accept your decision to retire from politics at the forthcoming general election. Grassroots leaders and residents in Marine Parade will miss you. As PAP secretary-general, you were tireless in bringing in fresh blood to the party. I would not have the same energy when I cross into my 80s. This will enable you to continue to contribute the insights and experience you have accumulated all these years. Mr Goh wrote a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on June 24 th saying his decision was made “after much thought and with a heavy heart” . I strongly support your planned leadership succession at the national level. I will always be personally indebted to you. Read 3 articles daily and stand to win ST rewards, including the ST News Tablet worth $398. On behalf of all Singaporeans, I thank you for a lifetime of distinguished service. Likewise, we should start building up the core of the 5G team. Until we resolve the issues, subscribers need not log in to access ST Digital articles. Thank you for your letter of 24 June 2020. He helps me with my Meet-the-People Sessions, and with several social projects that I initiated in the constituency. Goh Chok Tong (born 20 May 1941) is a former Singaporean politician who served as Prime Minister of Singapore from 1990 to 2004 and Secretary-General of the People's Action Party from 1992 to 2004. You made that happen. Iran announced Saturday it has started up advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges in a breach of its undertakings under a troubled 2015 nuclear deal, days after the start of talks on rescuing the accord. The story of Marine Parade is the story of Singapore - out of nothing, we created something special. Grab Holdings has attracted backing from T. Rowe Price Group and Temasek Holdings for its planned merger with a blank-check company, people with knowledge of the matter said. We have been experiencing some problems with subscriber log-ins and apologise for the inconvenience caused. They can read the article in full after signing up for a free account. Mr Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister, Republic of Singapore Secretary-General, People's Action Party. Competent and trusted leaders with the heart for public service are critical to protect and advance Singaporeans' interests. It is in Marine Parade that you have left the most personal imprint on the lives of individual Singaporeans. “I prefer to retire as Member of Parliament now whilst I am healthy and able to ease my successor’s transition into Marine Parade," he wrote in his letter to PM Lee. He has spent the last 44 years of his life as a Member of Parliament. Archaeologists Saturday showed off their finds at what they say is the "largest" ancient city ever found in Egypt, dating to a golden age of the pharaohs 3,000 years ago. Smooth and systematic leadership succession is the key to Singapore's political stability. With sadness, I accept your decision to … Tackling Income Equality. Mr Goh, who was prime minister from 1990 to 2004, announced his decision in a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.. Marine Parade is my second home. ESM Goh noted that Dr Tan See Leng, who was unveiled by the PAP as a new candidate on Thursday morning, has been understudying him for nearly two years, and recommended Dr Tan to take over from him as MP for the Marine Parade group representation constituency (GRC). I hope you will accept my decision to step down as Member of Parliament. In the early days you proposed setting up residents' committees (RCs) in Marine Parade to build communities in our neighbourhoods and precincts. George Floyd had heart disease and had consumed drugs but they were not the "direct causes" of his death, the doctor who conducted the autopsy said Friday at the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. SINGAPORE: Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has decided to retire from politics, according to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Many have urged me to stand for another term. SINGAPORE — Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will not be standing in the coming General Election on July 10. I am happy that you will continue to chair the governing board of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. The … Having served as a Member of Parliament for Marine Parade for over four decades, I make this decision after much thought and with a heavy heart. Your advice, based on a lifetime of experience, helped me clarify my thoughts and avoid many unnecessary errors. After you retired from Cabinet, we continued with our regular lunches. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at an event at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy on Nov 8, 2018. Best wishes for a successful general election ahead. Dr Tan See Leng has been understudying me for nearly two years now. In 2004 when you relinquished the prime ministership, and in 2011 when you left the Cabinet, you still had much more to give. This gives us confidence that this time with Covid-19, we will again emerge stronger. The announcement of the retirement of Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in late June stirred the emotions of the collective Singapore. The gift link for this subscriber-only article has expired. In India, without the trust and goodwill you built up over many years, I could not have signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (Ceca) in 2005. No. But like me, they understand and respect your decision to retire, because they have seen you advocate and uphold the principle of leadership renewal all your life. SINGAPORE — Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will not be contesting at the coming General Election, as the 79-year-old will retire from politics after 44 years as Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade. All done! The PAP branch activists and the grassroots leaders are my steadfast comrades and firm friends. This article is now fully available for you, Please verify your e-mail to read this subscriber-only article in full. Marine Parade MP Goh Chok Tong May Retire From Politics After 44 Years. Ours was a fruitful comradeship that spanned the entirety of my years in politics and most of yours - a close relationship between two prime ministers that would be the envy of many countries. But you decided that it was in the party's interest, and especially in the national interest, to let someone younger take over. He put up a post on his Facebook page saying, “This is au revoir, not adieu. GOH CHOK TONG. You raised funds to start numerous social programmes, including the Marine Parade Leadership Foundation to train future community leaders, WeCare@MarineParade to help vulnerable residents, and EduGrow for kindergarten and primary school students from disadvantaged family backgrounds. SINGAPORE: Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will not run in the upcoming General Election, after having served as a Member of Parliament for Marine Parade for more than 40 years. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will not be contesting at the coming General Election, as the 79-year-old will retire from politics after 44 years as Member of Parliament of Marine Parade. Former Singapore PM Goh Chok Tong retires from politics (Photo/AP) Highlights Goh, an economist by training, entered politics in 1976 and was first elected to … He has held dialogues with residents and gone on house visits until Covid-19 put a stop to them. The second prime minister of Singapore had announced his decision in a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday (24 June). Marine Parade/ GRC (1976 – 2020) PM Lee’s reply to ESM Goh: 25 June 2020. The project succeeded, and today we have replicated that structure islandwide with more than 800 RCs and neighbourhood committees. PM LEE'S REPLY TO MR GOH. REITs have a proven track record of being dependable sources for dividends over the long term. He relinquished the post in 2004 to Lee Hsien Loong, and remained in the cabinet as Senior Minister. Your contributions continued after you stepped down as PM. They know that you always have their welfare at heart. Share gift link below with your friends and family. He is now operationalising our Caregiver Support Network, an important new initiative for a mature estate like Marine Parade. At the national level you have agreed to be appointed senior adviser to the People's Association on a pro bono basis. Today, those dreams have become reality. When you were first elected in 1976, Marine Parade was newly reclaimed land - a large but blank canvas on which our hopes and dreams could be projected. On those occasions, your calm and steady leadership gave Singaporeans comfort and courage. Yours fraternally, Goh Chok Tong Member of Parliament Marine Parade/GRC (1976 - 2020), Mr Goh Chok Tong Emeritus Senior Minister Prime Minister's Office Singapore. Mr Goh, who was prime minister from 1990 to 2004, announced his decision in a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday (June 24) and PM Lee has accepted his decision to retire from politics. Mr Goh Chok Tong. The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed the detection of 20 new cases of COVID-19 infection in Singapore on Sunday (11 April), taking the country's total case count to 60,653. He also said that he would not have the same energy when he crosses into his 80s. “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,” he wrote in his post. You guided the younger MPs, providing them with historical perspective, and inculcating in them the values and ethic of public service. Singapore GE2020: Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong to retire from politics after 44 years as MP. I wish you and Mrs Goh a long, healthy and happy retirement. Member of Parliament. The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed 32 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore as of noon on Saturday (10 April), taking the country's total case count to 60,633. Chinese regulators hit e-commerce giant Alibaba with a record 18.2 billion yuan ($2.78 billion) fine on Saturday over practices deemed to be an abuse of the company's dominant market position. A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 26, 2020, with the headline 'Retirement letter from Mr Goh Chok Tong'. You can love Singapore and yet not vote PAP: Lee Hsien Yang. Dear Chok Tong, Thank you for your letter of 24 June 2020. (Facebook pic/leehsienloong) SINGAPORE: Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has decided to retire from politics, according to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. You brought me into politics and have guided and mentored me all these years. Fresh lockdowns and curfews were imposed on tens of millions of people from India to Argentina on Saturday, as Covid-19 infections surged again and vaccine roll-outs were hampered by shortages and scares over side effects. He has also played an active role in EduGrow, our youth mentorship programme for students from lower-income families. After serving as a Member of Parliament for Marine Parade for a record 44years, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will not be running in the upcoming Singapore General Election. Mr Goh, who was prime minister from 1990 to 2004, announced his decision in a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday (June 24) and PM Lee has accepted his decision to retire from politics. One way he tried to do so is to arm every Singaporean with the education … Those crises were painful experiences that left their mark on us, but they strengthened us too. As Parliament has now been dissolved, I write to inform you that I have decided not to stand in the coming general election. Singapore will continue to benefit from his insights and experience.”. In his letter, ESM Goh said that he had decided not to stand in the GE “after much thought and with a heavy heart”. Bertha Henson: Is this Singapore GE2020 a 4G show, or not? In Parliament, you weighed in during key debates, including on integrated resorts and ministerial salaries. It was my privilege to be your deputy throughout your premiership. I will continue to contribute to Singapore in other ways. Similarly, I prefer to retire as Member of Parliament now whilst I am healthy and able to ease my successor's transition into Marine Parade. Internationally, you built bridges for our people, opened doors for our businesses, and flew our flag high. SINGAPORE — Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will not be contesting at the coming General Election, as the 79-year-old will retire from politics after 44 years as Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade. The 4G team led by Heng Swee Keat has been tested and strengthened in the crucible of Covid-19. Iran's atomic energy organisation said Sunday the Natanz nuclear facility was hit by a terrorist act, hours after it said an "accident" had caused a power failure there. In the PAP Marine Parade branch, I am glad the succession is well in hand, and Dr Tan See Leng will be taking over as branch chairman. SPH Digital News / Copyright © 2021 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Co. Regn. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has served as Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Member of Parliament (MP) since 1976, a whopping 44 years. You have given your all and more in the service of your country and people. Hideki Matsuyama unleashed an incredible back-nine shotmaking display to seize a four-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the Masters, putting the Japanese star on the brink of a historic triumph at Augusta National. Follow Yahoo News Singapore’s GE2020 coverage here. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months. But we have experienced crises before, including when you were prime minister, such as the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98, the September 2001 terrorist attacks, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) outbreak in 2003. France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune said Sunday that Turkey had set a "trap" for European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen by forcing her to sit off to the side on a visit to Ankara, in a photo-op faux pas quickly dubbed 'sofagate'. Up to 80 percent of people offered the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine In Sicily refuse it out of fears over its safety, according to the southern Italian region's president Nello Musumeci. The Kremlin on Sunday said it was not moving towards war with Ukraine as Russia increased its military presence on the border with Ukraine's eastern breakaway territories.