Lessons from Life 14 May 2011 - SM Goh, MM Lee to leave Cabinet

"SM Goh, MM Lee to leave Cabinet - CNA 14 May 2011

SINGAPORE : Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on Saturday said they have decided to leave the Cabinet for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his team to have a fresh clean slate.

In a joint statement, they said: "We have studied the new political situation and thought how it can affect the future. We have made our contributions to the development of Singapore. The time has come for a younger generation to carry Singapore forward in a more difficult and complex situation.

"The Prime Minister and his team of younger leaders should have a fresh clean slate. A younger generation, besides having a non-corrupt and meritocratic government and a high standard of living, wants to be more engaged in the decisions which affect them.

"After a watershed General Election, we have 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.

"But the younger team must always have in mind the interests of the older generation. This generation who has contributed to Singapore must be well-looked after." "

I simply has to comment on this momemtuous decision. A cabinet with Mr Lee Kuan Yew is simply unthinkable! A cabinet without Senior Minister is also refreshing!

Lessons for me are:

1. for the new leadership to truly grow and take on its own life, the only way is to let go, leave the scence and have trust in whatever mentoring or developing work you have done to the younger generation of leaders. There is NO other way. For once I will go for the absolute!;

2. it takes a LOT of courage and humility for the older generation of leaders to leave the stage and away from the limelights after so many good years. It does grow on you when you are constantly in the limelights. The cheers, applauses and accolades can be intoxicating and addictive! Most overstay their welcome. Only the very few wise men and women had that courage and humility to go out at the top!;

3. on Monday some people will talk about the negative impact the leaving of 2 very heavyweight minsiters from the cabinet. Some may just dismiss it as their roles are really inconsequential. Whatever it is, it is something the new Singapore has to learn to deal with. Will the new leadership throw up some brilliant and compassionate individuals? We will never know if we do not start the journey!

Nobody is indispensable. Growing up is hard to do if one is always under shelter!

May Singapore grows stronger as it appreciate the good work that these 2 national leaders had done for us.