Goh Chok Tong's Contribution to Singapore and Singaporeans

In 1990, when Mr Goh Chok Tong became Prime Minister, he brought with him a new gentler style of governance.

It was a style more in tune with public opinion and with younger Singaporeans.

Part 2

Ask any Singaporean and they will likely tell you that Mr Goh's biggest contribution to the country is his open style of governance.

From the no-nonsense fearless approach of Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Goh cultivated a style which endeared him to the people.

He listened, he took in views and he tries his very best to address concerns -- all this, with a touch of sincerity.

Nominated Member of Parliament Chandra Mohan Nair sums it up best when he compares Mr Goh with his predecessor, "When we had our Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, now Senior Minister, I think he had a more strict approach, no nonsense approach. And sometimes alot of people felt he was too strict and very hard to approach and fearful to approach. He's like a head master. But he was effective.

"He was ruling Singapore during difficult times in the 60s and 70s when times were much more difficult and turbulent so I suppose a leadership of that style would be appropriate in the 60s but not today. Compared to that, I think PM Goh has a more simple approach of being more easy going."

Those I spoke with say Mr Goh laid the groundwork for a more consultative style of government.

He brought politics closer to the people and told them in no uncertain terms that it was okay to think different.

Says political observer Dr Suzaina Kadir, "In my view the greatest contribution is the fact that the door has been opened. And I think that's the reflection of changing dynamics within Singapore as well. So he has responded to that right? He has opened the door and one hopes that there can be further development. So he has laid the groundwork so to speak."

And MP for Ayer Rajah Tan Cheng Bock, who used to chair the Feedback Unit agrees, "You see now you look at the forum, with youngsters, they are very open, they speak up, they have no qualms about telling you when you are wrong and to me it is a good sign and I think it is all because Mr Goh has given that feeling that it's okay and at the end of the day we can differ, no harm -- not neccessarily we accept each other's point of view."

Those I spoke with attribute Mr Goh's style to his own self-effacing personality. The words used to describe him -- honest, sincere and compassionate.

Political observer Viswa Sadasivan says Mr Goh's appeal is that he is willing to show he is human -- frailty and all.

"I don't think Singaporeans say it's possible for a prime minister to present a human profile until they had Goh Chok Tong and more than any other leader, I think he's allowed Singaporeans to feel and beyond rhetoric that it is okay to be less than perfect.

"I think Singaporeans needed to know that because there is so much imperfection in society. Singaporeans needed to know that it is okay to be who you are, flaws, warts and everything else and it is okay to make mistakes. I think in the last 14 years, we have really come to accept in our society, it's alright to make these mistakes, it's alright to even fail while trying and very importantly, the importance of having the dignity to say sorry. I think these are important values that Goh Chok Tong introduced in the past 14 years because of his own personal convictions and beliefs in this."

To his detractors, Mr Goh's consultative style is said to be his weakness -- a case of indecision at work.

But those I spoke with say that by trying to build consensus, the Prime Minister is also showing that he has a deep conscience -- having to weigh the impact of national policies on various levels of society.

Mr Viswa points out that no other leader but Goh Chok Tong has demonstrated what it means by being consultative and decisive at the same time.

"The truth is he has demonstrated when there's a crunch, when the chips are down, you need to have consulted the ground during good times so that you'll be making a decision that sits well with the ground and that the ground will buy into and support you all that way. I think that is a very important aspect, style of Goh Chok Tong's consultation.

"Tomorrow if Goh Chok Tong is to make a decision, on a very fundamental issue in Singapore, that affects the lives of Singaporeans, my sense is even if it is unpopular, Singaporeans will give him the benefit of the doubt because he listens. And even if he doesn't have time for explanations, the general tendency is people would say if this policy comes from Goh Chok Tong, there must be some good to it because he listens and he genuinely cares...it's really about trust."

But for those who have worked with him, they have seen how Mr Goh can be firm when it comes to the crunch.

Says Mr Viswa, "He's not decisive in a bang table manner. He's someone who genuinely wants to hear what people's views are but he makes up his own mind."

And he is tough even when it comes to his own MPs.

MP for Hong Kah GRC Amy Khor will never forget the time she was taken to task by the Prime Minister in Parliament, for seemingly using the language of the opposition.

Dr Khor says she was surprised by the reprimand but adds the incident proves Mr Goh will not hesitate to take hardline unpopular decisions if he feels it is for the good of the nation.

"In retrospect I think that as a leader while you can be approachable, warm and friendly, you also need to take a stand. And as much as I sincerely felt that there was something I should bring to the government regarding the feelings of the people, I think I also had to accept the fact that such remarks can attract strong rebuttals and he has the right to feel that he has to make it very clear to Singaporeans that this is not the correct opinion on the CPF policy as far as he's concerned."

It is his consultative style that has allowed Mr Goh to implement tough policies like the CPF changes.

But perhaps more than that, is the honesty in which he brings to the table.

Veteran grassroots leaders Loh Soo Ann sums it up best with this remark, "Personally I think with his softer and more open approach, and he's very transparent in governing Singapore, he's won the hearts of all the Singaporeans. And because of this, he's build up the trust, confidence and respect, not only from us but from the rest of the world. And that's why he's able to implement tough policies when it's needed.

In Part 3 of this special on Mr Goh Chok Tong, we touch on how he rose to become the People's Prime Minister.