Goh Chok Tong is the former Prime Minister of Singapore. He is a prominent figure in Singapore’s political history, serving as the country’s second Prime Minister from 1990 to 2004.
He is recognized for his pragmatic leadership style, following the example of Lee Kuan Yew, the country’s founding Prime Minister.
Goh is famous for promoting a number of economic and social reforms, such as the Medisave program and many meritocratic initiatives.
His tenure was often noted for his more consultative approach to governance and his efforts to maintain political stability in the face of regional and global challenges, such as the Financial Crisis Asia in the late 1990s.
File
- – Full name: Goh Chok Tong
- – Date of birth: May 20, 1941
- – Age: 83 years old
- – Gender: Male
- – Place of birth: Singapore
- – Nationality: Singaporean
- – Profession: Politician (Former Prime Minister of Singapore)
- – Height: Not applicable
- – Parents: Goh Kah Choon (father), Quah Kwee Hwa (mother)
- – Siblings: The eldest of the four
- – Spouse: Tan Choo Leng
- – Children: Goh Jin Theng, Goh Jin Hian
- – Relationship status: Married
- – Religion: Not applicable
- – Ethnicity: Chinese (Fujian)
- – Net worth: 5 million USD
Early life and education
Goh Chok Tong was born in Singapore on May 20, 1941 and will be 83 years old in 2024. He grew up in a Hokkien Chinese family and his early life was marked by the passing of his father grandfather, Goh Kah Choon when he was only 9 years old. year old.
This left his mother, Quah Kwee Hwa, a teacher, to raise Goh and his siblings with the help of the extended family. Goh attended Pasir Panjang Primary School and later enrolled at Raffles Academy, where he demonstrated strong leadership skills, serving as scout leader, deputy head and swimming team captain.
In 1961, Goh began studying at the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore), where he obtained a Bachelor of Economics degree, graduating with honors in 1964.
He then pursued a Master of Arts in Development Economics at Williams College in the United States, completing the degree in 1967. His education laid a solid foundation for his future role as he in the public and private sectors.
Personal life
Goh Chok Tong is married to Tan Choo Leng, a senior consultant at a law firm. The couple met during Goh’s early years in Singapore and eventually married. They have two children: Goh Jin Theng, a lawyer, and Goh Jin Hian, a medical professional.
Goh also has six nieces and nephews. Despite his long and challenging political career, Goh has maintained a stable family life. His wife, Mrs. Tan, is famous for her charity work, especially in the fields of education and society.
Career
After graduating in 1964, Goh began his career in the Singapore civil service. However, he soon moved into the private sector, joining Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) in 1969. By 1973, he became NOL’s chief executive officer, steering the company to profitability.
His success in the private sector attracted the attention of political leaders, and in 1976, Goh entered politics as a candidate of the People’s Action Party (PAP). He was elected Member of Parliament for the Maritime Parade, a position he held for more than 40 years.
Goh holds various ministerial roles in the Singapore government, including Minister of Trade and Industry, Health and Defence. In 1990, Goh succeeded Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister.
His administration focused on economic development, social policy and political reform. One of his important contributions was the introduction of the Group of Representative Constituencies (GRC) system to ensure minority representation in Parliament.
Goh stepped down as Prime Minister in 2004 but remained in power in the government as Senior Minister and then Honorary Senior Minister until he retired from politics in 2020.
Net worth
Goh Chok Tong’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. As a former Prime Minister and Senior Minister in Singapore, given his long service and involvement with government-linked organizations such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, his wealth may reflect his significant contributions to the country’s development.
Argumentative
Goh Chok Tong has been relatively free of major personal scandals throughout his long political career. However, his leadership has faced criticism during certain periods. One notable problem was the implementation of an elected presidency in 1991, which some saw as consolidating too much power in the executive branch.
Critics also question how his administration handles opposition voices and political freedoms, especially with policies such as the Non-Constituency Parliamentary Program (NCMP), allowing limited representation for opposition parties while leaving the ruling party intact.
Another point of contention was Goh’s stance on high salaries for Singapore’s ministers, which he defended by asserting that competitive remuneration was necessary to prevent corruption and attract talent. .
This issue resurfaces again and again, especially during economic downturns when the public expresses frustration over inequality and high living costs.
Social Media
- – Instagram: Not applicable
- – Twitter: Not applicable
Book
- High Order: The Goh Chok Tong Story (2018)
- Standing Tall: The Goh Chok Tong Years (2021)
