4G leaders in place to lead S’pore in a few years’ time: ESM Goh

SINGAPORE – The fourth-generation (4G) ministers are in place to lead the Republic “in a few years’ time”, but they will have to grapple with big challenges ahead, both at home and on the global front, said Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

Domestically, Mr Goh said, the 4G leaders will have to deal with issues such as transforming the economy, an ageing population, social mobility, income inequality and meeting Singaporeans’ aspirations. On the global front, they will face complex regional and geo-political challenges, while international trade may also become more protectionist.

“They have to rally Singaporeans behind their vision and policies,” said Mr Goh, who was speaking at the Marine Parade National Day Dinner at Orchard Hotel on Saturday (Aug 18) night.

On his role when the 4G leadership takes over, he said: “Thankfully, Singapore does not need a former PM to come to its rescue.”

Mr Goh was referring to Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who led the Pakatan Harapan coalition to victory at the country’s May 9 polls, ending Barisan Nasional six-decade rule. Dr Mahathir become PM for a second term after retiring from politics 15 years ago.

“We have carefully planned our political succession with little drama or in-fighting. Political stability and predictability are good for economic growth and benefit your family,” Mr Goh said.

But like Dr Mahathir, Mr Goh said, it is difficult to let go of a country he has helped build. “I cannot stop being concerned for my country’s future. It is an occupational habit of former Prime Ministers.”

“(Dr) Mahathir made his comeback at the age of 92. I am only 77. I can wait 15 years,” he quipped, sharing that since the Malaysian PM made a political comeback, some had suggested that he do the same. “They even proposed Tan Cheng Bock to be my Anwar Ibrahim.”

During his speech on Saturday, Mr Goh added that Singapore’s success boils down to having a good government and a united people.

He noted that those elected to form the government are required to “maintain high standards of integrity and excellence… be forward looking and innovative... (and) fight against complacency and decline”.

Using a football analogy, Mr Goh said: “We must prepare for the next season, find the right manager, seasoned coaches and the best players. With the right strategy and tactics, hard work and a cohesive team, we can achieve new success.”

He also attributed Singapore’s good performance – 37th globally in economic size, eight in per capita income and 3rd in economic competitiveness – to the unity of Singaporeans, and urged people not to be divided by race, religion or social status and risk wasting energy and resources fighting each other.

“(As) critical as political succession is, the progress of a nation also depends on all of us… every member of each generation has to do his or her part to keep Singapore secure, stable, harmonious and prosperous,” he said.