On June 25, it was revealed that both Low Thia Khiang and Goh Chok Tong would not be contesting GE2020, with the latter to retire from politics.

Since then tributes to both men have flooded in, with figures from across the political spectrum voicing their appreciating to Low and Goh.

Now, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh, has himself penned a salute to his former sparring partner Low.

Shook hands on retirement earlier

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 the announcement.

"We had not made our final decision then. But we shook hands on it nevertheless."

Goh wished Low "all the best" and "continued good health", stating that he was glad to see the WP stalwart "up and about".

"Both of us have more to contribute to Singapore outside of Parliament," wrote Goh.

The June 25 announcements brought to an end a nearly three-decade-long parliamentary sparring partnership.

Low who is the longest-serving opposition member of parliament in Singapore's history first won his seat in 1991.

Coincidentally, GE1991 was also Goh's first as Singapore's prime minister.

Three things in common

Despite their sometimes lively debates in parliament, Goh wrote that he and Low had three things in common.

"One, we believe in political succession. Two, we know when to retire."

The third common ground the men shared, said Goh, was that their goals in parliament were compatible.

"I was for a 'kinder and gentler' Singapore, and he was for a 'constructive and moderate' opposition."

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Top image from Sulaiman Daud and Joshua Lee