Goh Chok Tong: Shanmugam’s Rise & Challenges to Singapore Political Service

ESM Goh Warns of Declining Public Service, Highlights Shanmugam’s Dedication

Singapore – Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong on February 6, 2026, underscored the increasing difficulty of attracting top talent to political service, while praising Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam’s commitment to public life. The remarks came during the launch of Shanmugam’s new book, “Policy, Fairness and Compassion,” a collection of speeches and interviews spanning his 38-year political career.

ESM Goh highlighted Shanmugam’s personal understanding of inequality, noting that the minister “had straddled it and lived at both ends.” He explained that Shanmugam did not come from a privileged background, and that Singapore’s system allowed him to achieve success. “He wanted less-privileged children to get the same opportunities as he did,” ESM Goh said.

The former Prime Minister recounted how Shanmugam, a young lawyer on the cusp of partnership at a leading law firm, entered politics in 1988. Shanmugam was part of a three-member People’s Action Party (PAP) slate that won in Sembawang GRC and is now the anchor minister for Nee Soon GRC.

ESM Goh questioned what motivated Shanmugam to choose a path of public service, acknowledging the “significant financial sacrifice” involved. He stated that Shanmugam viewed public life as a worthwhile cause and “did not agonise over the significant financial sacrifice he had to make.” This dedication was also noted in the foreword ESM Goh wrote for Shanmugam’s book, where he stated the minister “had no hesitation in accepting the call to duty” and took a “significant pay cut” when appointed Minister for Law in 2008.

However, ESM Goh expressed concern that future generations may not share the same sense of obligation to public service. He warned that it “does not bode well for Singapore if the most capable among each generation of Singaporeans shy away from public service.” He suggested that some may attribute their successes solely to their own efforts and families, and may assume the country’s success is guaranteed regardless of who governs.

Addressing the practical considerations for potential candidates, ESM Goh acknowledged the increasing scrutiny faced by politicians due to social media. He also raised the issue of ministerial salaries, stating, “Money must never be the incentive for joining politics. But the financial opportunity cost of being a minister is a factor that any rational individual would have to consider.”

He argued that the government needs to convince Singaporeans that the country’s future depends on having the best possible team in leadership. “Pay must not be the factor that pulls them in, but neither must it be the factor that pushes them away,” he added.

Shanmugam’s book, “Policy, Fairness, and Compassion,” is intended to provide a historical record of his perspectives on policy frameworks and key issues throughout his career. He stated that the book offers a “data point and perspective for future historians.”

According to Mothership.sg, ESM Goh also described Shanmugam’s values as reflecting his “Ikigai,” a Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being.”

During the book launch, ESM Goh also highlighted Shanmugam’s legal reforms, including legislation concerning online harms and national security, as reported by Channel NewsAsia.