SINGAPORE: Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will not run in the upcoming General Election, after having served as a Member of Parliament for Marine Parade for more than 40 years.
In a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong dated Jun 24, Mr Goh said his decision was made "after much thought and with a heavy heart".
AdvertisementAdvertisement"Smooth and systematic leadership succession is key to Singapore's political stability," he wrote. "I prefer to retire as Member of Parliament now whilst I am healthy and able to ease my successor's transition into Marine Parade."
Mr Goh said he recommends that Dr Tan See Leng take over from him in Marine Parade. Dr Tan has been understudying Mr Goh for about two years and has helped with meet-the-people sessions in Marine Parade as well as several social projects in the constituency, Mr Goh added.
PM Lee said he accepts Mr Goh's decision to retire from politics "with sadness".
He noted Mr Goh's contributions to Singapore and thanked him for a "lifetime of distinguished service".
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