Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong on Thursday evening had high praise for veteran opposition politician Chiam See Tong, describing him as a "well-meaning, decent and honest politician".

The former Prime Minister was the guest of honour at a dinner organised to raise funds for the Chiam See Tong Sports Fund. In his speech, he said that Chiam entered politics "not for selfish reasons or because he thought the PAP was not doing a good job".

"I support the Chiam See Tong Sports Fund partially because I respect Chiam as a well-meaning, decent and honest politician and Member of Parliament. I say this sincerely, not just because of tonight. I think Lina (Chiam's wife) would know, whenever I saw Chiam, we were able to talk with decorum very well.

Chiam entered politics not for selfish reasons, or because he thought the PAP was not doing a good job. He believed that Singapore should have a two-party system like other liberal democracies, with each taking turns to run a country. On the other hand, I believe that a small vulnerable country like Singapore needs a strong, durable government to protect and advance the people’s interest. Because I think a revolving door kind of government would do us no good.

So despite our differences in views on the system for Singapore, one dominant party or two parties with revolving doors, each taking turns to govern Singapore, we got on well. Chiam practiced constructive politics. And he helped set the tone for civil, Parliamentary debate in Singapore. That’s very important, constructive, civil debate in Parliament."

These comments are interestingly-timed. Earlier this month, the hard-talking Goh said the day after another veteran politician, Tan Cheng Bock, launched his Progress Singapore Party that Tan, a longtime friend of Goh's, a former presidential candidate and a longtime PAP member of parliament, had "lost his way":

Praised Chiam's advocacy for local sports

ESM Goh also spoke about Chiam's advocacy for local sports back when he was an MP for Potong Pasir SMC, citing a specific incident he recalled from the 1989 Budget debate.

Goh was then serving as the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence. He would become Prime Minister in 1990.

Chiam, who had been elected to represent Potong Pasir for the second time in the 1988 general election, chose to ask about financial support for Singapore athletes.

He had said:

"Sir, sad to say, our sports level as far as the international standard is concerned, is at the kampong level. I think we have to do something to build up one or two champions and that will give inspiration to other sportsmen."

Goh concluded by saying he was happy to support the Chiam See Tong Sports Fund because he has not yet raised funds for sports, despite having done so for other sectors.

"I congratulate the Chiam See Tong Sports Fund for the good work it has done. Let us all continue to work together to build a kinder and gentler, and may I add, a more sporty and sporting Singapore."

Fascinating.

Top photo by Kane Goh.