Tributes pour in for MM Lee, SM Goh
Messages of appreciation and sadness follow the sudden announcement of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's decision to step down from the Cabinet.
In an unexpected move on Saturday, Singapore's two most senior leaders said they decided to leave the Cabinet and "have a completely younger team of ministers to connect to and engage with this young generation in shaping the future of our Singapore".
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong termed the decision a "major event" for Singapore. He is set to give his answer on whether he will accept MM Lee's and SM Goh's decision on Monday.
Ministers and Members of Parliament have express their thanks and sadness over the news.
Ms Indranee Rajah, MP-elect for Tanjong Pagar GRC -- which is helmed by MM Lee -- told Yahoo! Singapore that MM's decision is a "remarkable testimony" of how he acts according to what he thinks is best for Singapore.
She pointed out how the two leaders have bonded closely with the older generation of Singaporeans because of the years of shared experiences and challenges in developing the Republic.
Younger Singaporeans are not as close to the government today, so in stepping down, the two leaders are giving PM Lee and his new cabinet the ability to forge that bond with Singaporeans, she said.
Ms Indranee observed, MM Lee's and SM Goh's decision comes from the analysis of the results of the General Election, which show that in this new era, the government needs a team that will resonate and bond with the new generation.
Describing MM as a "legend", Ms Indranee said, "Singapore is MM's life's work. Every time I have interacted with him, every conversation, every thought he's had is really about how can we do things better for Singapore and Singaporeans."
Newly-elected MP for Marine Parade GRC, Brigadier-General (NS) Tan Chuan-Jin urged people to "consider their (MM Lee's and SM Goh's) contributions and the difference they have made" for Singapore.
In a note on his Facebook page, he said, MM Lee has "always been at the forefront in playing a key role for Singapore" and SM Goh's ushering in of a "more open and consultative style of governance".
While there are no perfect leaders or government, "they have both continued to provide guidance and have brought their weight and influence to bear in helping us maintain our presence on the world stage," said BG Tan.
"What is perhaps saddest of all is that there will be those who will rejoice... and who will hurl abuse," he said, pointing out that "how we respond" will be a reflection of the society Singaporeans want to build.
He said, "For me... it is with a very heavy heart that I have to witness what I think is the passing of an age."
Several ministers also shared their thoughts on Facebook.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan posted, "Both have cleaned up corruption in Singapore, especially MM. Quite a feat. Corruption was rampant in Singapore and in this region and remains rampant in this region, except Singapore. That is one great legacy!"
He engaged in a short chat with netizens over the announcement.
He said, "(The) decision of MM and SM to leave the Cabinet marks the beginning of a new era. Younger generation will now have to prove their worth and build on what the older generation have achieved. This is our Singapore, our future. Let's unite to do the best for our people."
Pointing out that "we are on our own now, to create the Singapore we want, against a very uncertain world", Minister Khaw stressed that unity is key.
Responding to one poster who lamented that both senior leaders are leaving at the same time, he said, "I suppose it is to make a point crystal clear to the young: it is your turn now."
Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say said, "I am grateful to our former PMs for changing Singapore as a nation and changing our life as Singaporeans for the better. Thank you, MM. Thank you, SM."
Foreign Minister George Yeo, who will also be stepping down as a minister, posted that he received the news "with a heavy heart and a sense of passage to a new era".
