Peh Shing Huei - Tall order: the Goh Chok Tong story, Volume 1

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

An inspiring and extraordinary story of an improbable politician, who rose to lead Singapore after the legendary Lee Kuan Yew. The biography offers invaluable insights into how Goh Chok Tong walked tall in his own shoes overcoming challenges and defeating difficulties in the path of Singapores consolidation. And how his strengths and values reflect and also reinforce those of Singapore. This volume whets our appetite for the second volume of the biography.

Ban Ki-moon, former United Nations Secretary-General

Engaging and thought-provoking insights drawn from the leadership of one of Asias most eminent statesmen. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong sheds inspiring light on the values, vision and valour of the new Singapore dream both inclusive and sustainable in our changing world.

Sir John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Goh Chok Tong is a friend whom I cherish. But, more important than that, he has been instrumental in building a Singapore that is confident of its future at home, and respected widely overseas. Chok Tong views the world not only through the prism of what events mean for Singapore, but also what they presage for the wider world. In short, he is a true statesman.

John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia

Goh Chok Tong, both as Defence Minister and later the second Prime Minister of Singapore, was integral to the great success of that country since its foundation as an independent country. I knew him well in both capacities. His insights were always sharp, his commitment to the continued success of his country unconditional, and the importance he placed on close links between Australia and Singapore was never in doubt. I continue to value his friendship and opinion on contemporary issues.

Tung Chee-hwa, former Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR

Tall Order is more than the personal story of Goh Chok Tong. In his own words, it is a book about Singapores transition from Mr Lee Kuan Yew to the next generation. As I see it from outside, Chok Tong played a strategic and indispensable role in ensuring that this passing of the baton was a smooth and inspiring progression. This book is a living testimonial of contemporary politics. It is also an account of modern day administration that followers of government and politics should not miss.

Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large of Singapore

The story of Goh Chok Tong, our second Prime Minister, is an inspiration for young Singaporeans, especially those from humble families. There is no glass ceiling for Singaporeans, if you are able, hardworking and lucky. I love the book.

Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador-at-Large of Singapore

Tall Order, a biography of Goh Chok Tong, is a must-read for all who are interested in the modern political history of Singapore and political succession. A treasure trove of frank insights into the internal workings of cabinet and government decision-making, this book stands with the two volumes of Lee Kuan Yews memoirs as major contributions to understanding governance and politics in Singapore. The full interviews with Goh make riveting reading.

Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings

Goh Chok Tongs life story firmly rebuts the adage that nice guys finish last. He is the Singaporean equivalent of Everyman the honest, hardworking and congenial colleague or neighbour who does not intimidate you with his brilliance or oratory but is the decent bloke whos destined to succeed. With his authentic, unique and disarming style, and an incisive and decisive personality which belies his outward casualness, Goh Chok Tong has left his imprint on Singapore as its second Prime Minister. This book, full of personal insights and anecdotes, reflects the man and the leader.

We owe a debt to make lives better for all, and not just for ourselves.

Goh Chok Tong, in a speech on Compassionate Meritocracy given in 2013.

Dear Reader,

All royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to two charities I started: namely, EduGrow for Brighter Tomorrows for children from disadvantaged families, and the Mediacorp Enable Fund (MEF) to support the integration of special-needs Singaporeans into society and the workforce.

EduGrow aims to help underprivileged children break out of the low-income trap. Through intensive mentoring and education support, EduGrow tackles income inequality and social mobility at its roots.

MEF supports people with disabilities to maximise their potential through early intervention beyond the financial reach of their families. MEF also raises awareness and focuses on their achievements and abilities instead of their disabilities.

Thank you for joining me in building a kinder, gentler Singapore.

Goh Chok Tong

I did not choose politics. It chose me. Then Minister for Finance Hon Sui Sen invited me to stand for elections. He was looking for a successor. At the party interview, Dr Toh Chin Chye, chairman of the Peoples Action Party (PAP), asked me why I wanted to be an MP. It was at the tip of my tongue to say, But you asked me.

Succeeding Lee Kuan Yew was a tall order. I was chosen by the second-generation Ministers to lead in December 1984. Mr Lee Kuan Yew then appointed me Deputy Prime Minister. But four years later, he publicly declared that I was not his first choice as Prime Minister. Whatever his doubts and reasons, my colleagues stood by me. Lee Kuan Yew handed me the premiership in November 1990.

My heavy burden was lightened by a strong, able, tightly-knit team. They deserved much credit for Singapores successful transition from the Old Guard to the next generation. The public was also empathetic. Their encouragement gave me strength. I thank them.

It was an unexpected journey. Certainly, my rise was unimagined. I did not prepare for it. I learnt on the job. Much to the early consternation of Lee Kuan Yew, I did it my way.

I had never intended to write my memoirs. My grassroots leaders Patrick Ng, Chua Ee Chek, Kok Pak Chow, Ng Hock Lye, Tan Jack Thian persuaded me. They wore me down with their argument that I have valuable experience to impart to Singaporeans. So I agreed to this authorised biography by Peh Shing Huei, a writer with journalistic flair. Peh has managed to tell a vivid story of my early years and the first half of my political career, capturing not only my contributions but also my stumbles.

I agreed to my story being told to achieve three objectives.

One, to encourage present and future generations of Singaporeans to consider political office, regardless of their background or upbringing. The book narrates my transformation from an introverted, studious, reserved person to Prime Minister. I was unprepared for a life in politics. I lacked the multilingual and public-speaking skills. I was uncomfortable in the limelight.

I was not politically ambitious. Had I failed as Prime Minister, I would still hold my head high. I had answered the call to duty, and devoted my life to it. I have given my best. I can proudly rest.

Two, this book and its sequel should also tell the story of my generation and the second-generation leaders. Ong Teng Cheong, an architect, Ahmad Mattar, a lecturer, S. Dhanabalan, a public servant and banker, Lim Chee Onn, a naval architect and administrative officer, Tony Tan, a banker, S. Jayakumar, a law professor, Lim Boon Heng, a naval architect, and others, like me were helicoptered into the political arena at different times.