The text of Mr Major’s tribute to Goh Chok Tong after he left office as the Prime Minister of Singapore. The tribute was published in July 2004.
JOHN MAJOR:
Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and I both took office on the same day in 1990, since when he has steered Singapore successfully for nearly a decade and a half. He soon became a firm friend and one that I continue to cherish.
I have always valued my exchanges with the Prime Minister and his balanced and lucid views. Although around the world it has been a difficult period – politically and economically – Singapore has always been in safe hands under his leadership.