What did Dr.Goh do for Singapore? Here we review his life's work.

While Dr Goh’s contributions to Singapore are immense, he is first and foremost remembered as the economic architect of Singapore. The Economic Development Board, the Jurong Town Corporation (now JTC Corporation), the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) were all initiated by the economist with a PhD from the London School of Economics.

He was famous for frugality. His first Budget as finance minister included a pay cut for civil servants. He inculcated in officers a respect for the public purse and a habit of husbanding resources.

As PM Lee said: ‘He also set out the key principles guiding many of our policies, always in pellucid and magisterial prose. The fundamental tenets of thrift and hard work, free enterprise and prudent public finance, and harmonious industrial relations continue to form the bedrock of Singapore’s competitive strengths and success.’

He was minister extraordinaire in a Cabinet of formidable talents, sent to head the most-important ministry of each epoch. From finance, he was sent on the day Singapore declared independence to be sworn in as minister for defence. He introduced national service and built up the armed forces from scratch.

When the education system needed fixing, Dr Goh went there in 1979 to streamline it and bring down drop-out rates.

The resulting streaming of pupils by academic ability proved controversial, as did a policy he introduced in 1982 to teach religious knowledge in schools. But as Dr Goh himself said: ‘Whatever you do is unpopular. It doesn’t matter.’

He influenced the entire civil service corps. His mandate roamed far and wide – he started the Jurong BirdPark, the Zoo, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the girls’ pipe band and the humanities scholarship, among others – and many civil servants got a chance to work with him.

Doing so much for Singapore, I must say that Dr.Goh is really a noble man.

Just like the man on the street, Singapore's politicians also have many words to comment on Dr.Goh 's passing.

President Nathan penned a moving tribute to a ‘marvellous man’ and staunch advocate of multi-racialism, who did much for Singapore.

‘He had his principles as well as his prejudices. He had his moods and momentary indignations. But, above all, he was always prepared to listen,’ said Mr Nathan.

‘He had extraordinary energy and a sense of selflessness. He had a quick mind and the ability to make deep incisions of a problem, before suggesting a solution…He was indeed a gem of a man in all respects.’

PM Lee Hsien Loong credited Dr Goh for his myriad contributions, including in economics, defence and education.

He said: ‘What he created has endured, and become the foundation for succeeding generations to build and improve upon. However Singapore has progressed and transformed itself since Dr Goh retired, it still bears the imprint of the master builder of modern Singapore.’

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong described him as being selfless for stepping down in 1984 to make way for new blood, and said Dr Goh had been a personal mentor to him in the civil service and later in politics.

The National Trades Union Congress hailed Dr Goh as ‘a national hero’ who helped modernise the labour movement.

Opposition parties also paid tribute, with the Reform Party acknowledging that ‘his place in history is assured as one of the principal architects’ of the economy.

As news of his death spread from the morning, Singaporeans from all walks of life paused to reflect on the passing of this Old Guard minister, who started his public service career as a social welfare officer in the colonial government, then became a determined anti-colonial fighter who helped found the People’s Action Party (PAP), and later went on to helm key ministries over 25 years in politics.
Now, we will see what the Singaporean on the street has to say:

At Whampoa market, a couple having breakfast paused on news that Dr Goh had died and shared: ‘A titan moves on.’

Housewife Yeo Chin Chin, 41, heard the news on the radio at about 10 am. ‘I felt sad that another pioneer has left. I will remember Dr Goh for his leadership and contribution in nation-building, and share with my two kids what he has done for Singapore.

The online community was abuzz too. Mr Mike Ang, 56, received a tweet and read the news at about noon on The Straits Times online site. He had recently viewed an exhibition on former founding father S. Rajaratnam, who died in February 2006, followed three months later by Old Guard minister Lim Kim San.

Like many, Mr Ang mourned the passing of the Old Guard team.

Condolences streamed in from government leaders. A government statement said the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues were saddened by Dr Goh’s passing.

‘Dr Goh was a prime architect of modern Singapore. The Government would like to convey our deepest condolences to his family,’ it said.

Dr Goh’s body will lie in state at Parliament from May 20 to 22, when members of the public may pay their last respects. The state flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings from May 20 to May 23.

A state funeral will be held on May 23.