Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will not be running in the 2020 General Election.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Goh stated that he had made the decision to retire as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade "after much thought and a heavy heart."

However, he subsequently clarified on June 25 that he would not be retiring from politics and will continue to support the People's Action Party (PAP) 4G leadership team, to "ensure a smooth transition."

Will not have the same energy when he reaches his 80s

When talking about his "second home" Marine Parade, Goh said that many had urged him to stand for another term:

"But I should not. I would not have the same energy when I cross into my 80s.”

He added:

"I prefer to retire as Member of Parliament now whilst I am still healthy and able to ease my successor's transition into Marine Parade."

Goh's successor has been understudying him for two years

Goh also said that his successor, Tan See Leng, had been his understudy for two years, helping him with Meet-the-People Sessions and other initiatives that he had started.

He highlighted that Tan had connected "well" with residents, branch members and grassroots leaders, and has gone on house visits as well as held dialogues with residents, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also voiced his support for the People's Action Party's (PAP) 4G leaders, adding that they had been tested and strengthened by the Covid-19 crisis, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.

PM Lee's response

In response, PM Lee said that he accepted Goh's decision to retire, "with sadness" and thanked him for his contributions after stepping down as Prime Minister, as well as the guidance he provided for younger MPs.

He also praised Goh for the work he had done in Marine Parade, in helping his constituency's residents and the relationships he had forged with both residents and grassroots leaders.

PM Lee then struck a personal note by saying that he is always "personally indebted" to Goh for the guidance that he given.

As per PM Lee:

"Ours was a fruitful relationship that spanned the entirety of my years in politics and most of yours -- a close relationship between two Prime Ministers that would be the envy of many countries."

Top image via Lee Hsien Loong/FB