Goh Chok Tong - The People's Prime Minister

10 years ago, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong helped broker a wage deal with civil servants.

That incident left an indelible mark on veteran unionist Nithiah Nandan.

He tells political reporter political reporter Imelda Saad what made Mr Goh the people's choice.


Part 3

The year was 1994.

It was the time for wage reforms within the public sector.

Mr Nithiah, then a civil servant recalled that the government was introducing the co-payment in medical benefits at the time.

It was an emotional issue for workers.

Attuned to the concerns on the ground, Mr Goh took pains to hear them out.

Mr Nithiah says the Prime Minister made three trips to the Singapore Conference Hall in Shenton Way to meet with civil servants.

"As a Prime Minister, he came all the way down to meet us three times. And from original proposals, many things were changed after he took the feedback of union leaders. When we met him, we knew he was the kind of leader that believes in that kind of relationship. He was very patient. That time, it was a very emotional issue and alot of union leaders reflected the views of the ground very emotionally. He was very patient and he was very concerned for our views. He also made sure that the implementation can be done in tghe least painful way. And that reflected his kind of leadership - that he does not just send down messages. In fact, we were very touched that he came down three times to meet us."

It was the start of a relationship build on trust and sincerity.

Since then, Mr Goh has been at the forefront of enhancing tripartite relations which has worked so well in Singapore.

Mr Nithiah attributes the successful relationship to the transparent government administration, under Mr Goh.

"Because of his charismatic leadership, his style, people feel very comfortable with him and because he's one man where they know they can just face up and talk to him. That is very important and at the same time, he makes sure that this relationship grows...he made it a point that the interest of the workers and the working class are not compromised."

Testimony to this harmonious relationship, Mr Goh served on various boards affiliated with the NTUC.

In recognition of his contribution, he was confered the NTUC Comrade of Labour Award, three years ago.

To ordinary Singaporeans, like 43-year-old eye surgeon Chua Ee Chek, Mr Goh is more than just a politician.

"In Singapore, he has actually made a difference to the lives of Singaporeans. If you were to travel to surrounding countries in this region or locally just visit the upgraded neighbourhood in Marine Parade, you would know what I mean. Even with the economic downturn, we are generally better off than 10, 15 years ago!"

Beyond Singapore, Mr Goh's reputation as a clean, forward-looking leader won him accolades from the international arena.

Former US Ambassador to Singapore Steve Green says his friendship with Mr Goh grew over time.

"During the course of that, I've gotten to know him both as a man and as a public leader. He's one of the few men the more times I spend with, the more I get to know, the more I respect both his ability and him as a human being. I think he's not only a prominant and insightful leader, but also a very very decent person. He has great concern and care for not only the people of Singapore but I think globally as well. He also has a great sense of humour and I think it's that sense of humour that people can relate to and find him to be a very human type of leader."

It is perhaps that attitude that has seen Singapore forging strategic ties with countries beyond the region.

Recognising the changing global dynamics, Mr Goh sought to build closer links with countries in the Middle East, early this year.

Ambassador Green says Mr Goh has come to be the kind of leader others want to deal with, "Sometimes relationships are built over neccessity and need. I think in the case of dealing with Prime Minister Goh, people are desirous of having a ralationship with him because he's a fine man! I think he has a personality that is conducive for creating relationships. He's the type of man that let's you know that he cares for your opinion, let's you know that he is open for discussion.

"In all of the opportunities I had to deal with him, I've never felt reluctant to bring forward new ideas and quite frankly, I've never felt reluctant about challenging some issues that I feel might be dealt with differently. He's always open, he's always receptive and I think that's a very important aspect in leadership."

Given the reputation he's built for himself, the question is should Mr Goh remain in politics even after he steps down?

The concensus seems to be that he should not just fade away.

Some, like political observer Viswa Sadasivan point to the sticky situation of another Lee taking over as Prime Minister.

"Especially at a point where there is some concern as to whether DPM Lee Hisen Loong -- whether or not he's a chip of the old block. As long as these concerns linger i think you'd want some sort of a fall back, a safety net, a humane safety net. In change, you want some consistency and that consistency comes in the form of someone you have grown used to. His style is tried and tested."

But others like veteran MP Tan Cheng Bock brushes aside such comments.

Like most who I spoke with, Dr Tan says Mr Goh can still contribute because of his wealth of experience"

"If I was Lee Hisen Loong, I would keep Mr Goh in the Cabinet because these are all the assests. SM and all are assets. I really don't care what other countries say. The important thing is people have a wealth of knowledge. And to have accumulated this -- the experience, the expertise, the association with foreign leaders -- so these are all very important! And he would be very valuable even after he steps down."

More than just a well of expertise, Mr Viswa says Singaporeans would not want to say goodbye to Goh Chok Tong just yet.

"I don't think it's a question of do Singaporeans need him. It's that Singaporeans want him to stick around. Frankly, I believe that everybody's dispensible. The question is really who do people want to stay around and for what reason? If Senior Minister Lee sees relevance in staying around in politics in one form or another, I don't see any reason why Goh Chok Tong can't stay and make valuable contribution."

More than anything else, observers say Singaporeans are comfortable with the leadership style of Goh Chok Tong and would still like him to be around.

In Part 4, personal stories from those who see Mr Goh as truly, being the People's Prime Minister.