1918 - 2010 Goh Keng Swee - People's Action Party - PAP

Insights
I remember…
What struck me most was his single-minded
pursuit of the building and development of the
Singapore Armed Forces. Nothing was too difficult
or too small for him. His knowledge of military
strategy and technology was legendary.
He confounded many visiting generals and
admirals with his depth of knowledge and ability to
discuss the finer points of operating certain fighter
aircraft, warships and weapon systems.
As a boss he was demanding, impatient and did
not suffer fools gladly. He was particular about
ensuring that the soldiers were properly fed and that
troop morale was well served.
He raised the Music and Drama Company to
entertain soldiers confined to camps. The NCOs’
Club was set up not only to give importance to
Warrant Officers and NCOs, but also to ensure that
they would have somewhere to drink their beer
without having to get into fights on Orchard Road.
The Temasek Club was established to allow
officers of all ranks from the three services to
interact in an informal environment. Normanton
Park was developed so that officers could own
homes at affordable prices.
– Lt Gen (Ret) Winston Choo
He never spoke much to us bodyguards around
him; he was always deep in thought. But he never
forgot to enquire about our well­being. And made
sure that his grassroots members took care of our
dinner.
– Former police officer Lionel De Souza, who served
as Dr Goh’s bodyguard every so often
In Parliament, he was gentle with
new MPs like me. Every meeting
and every encounter with him was like
attending a tutorial. I also had the
opportunity to travel and to play some
golf with him. He was more relaxed
then.
– Mr S.Chandra Das, former MP
I first met Dr Goh when I was 17 and
dating his son. He looked rather stern. It
was only later on, when I got to know him
better, that I realised under that exterior
– something I believe he cultivated and
projected given his chosen path to pursue
politics in tumultuous times – was a kind,
thoughtful, caring, even gentle, man.
It was a side he kept intensely private
but showed whenever he was with my
son, Ken-Yi, his first grandson. It’s this
loving and caring side I was privileged to
know and will always remember.
– Ms Jennie Chua, CEO, Ascott Group
I was only 26 years old when I first served under Dr Goh in the Ministry of Education. A total of five
over years with so much personal coaching, teaching and guidance from Dr Goh; and most importantly
his trust in me and his generosity in giving me so much job challenges to stretch me as a young officer.
Without that valuable working experience under him, I wouldn’t be what I am today.
– Madam Low Sin Leng, executive chairman,
Sembcorp Industrial Parks Ltd
PETIR MAY / JUNE 10
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