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.