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The announcement of the retirement of Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in late June stirred the emotions of the collective Singapore.

The 79-year-old has been a Member of Parliament (MP) of Marine Parade GRC since 1976.

Goh revealed that although he would be retiring as an MP and would not be contesting in the General Election, he would not be retiring from politics completely.

In a Facebook post on July 14, Goh hinted that he might not have retired if not for some health concerns.

Voice affected by white spot

Goh shared that he discovered a "white spot" on his voice box in 2019, a leukoplakia.

According to WebMD, leukoplakia refers to a condition in which white or gray patches form on the inside cheek, mouth or tongue, and can be caused by irritation or smoking.

In severe cases, they can also be a sign of oral cancer.

Goh stated that at the time it was uncertain if the white spot on his throat was malignant or benign.

Due to the condition, Goh's voice was also affected.

No more spot

Although Goh could have gone for a biopsy, his cardiologist advised against it as he had just undergone surgery.

Goh said that in the meantime, he had had to make several dietary changes, such as abstaining from wine, caffeine, curry and durian.

Follow-up consultations with the doctor showed that the white spot was shrinking.

Goh was only able to confirm that the spot disappeared on July 14 morning as this final consultation was delayed by Covid-19.

Goh also added in the post that it is now "too late to reverse [his] decision to retire as an MP".

That said, Goh quipped, "Fortunately, I am enjoying my first week of post-MP life."

He's even taken to social media now.

You can read Goh's full post here.

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Top photo from MParader / FB