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Goh Chok Tong was an improbable Prime Minister for an unlikely country. He had neither the connections nor the cunning to rise to the top, and was even once famously derided by his mentor Lee Kuan Yew for being "wooden" in his communication skills. Except for an imposing height most unusual in this part of the world, he was an ordinary man. He lost his father at a young age, lived in a two-bedroom public flat with his mother and four siblings and needed a government bursary to complete university.
Yet somehow he succeeded. Tall Order tells the extraordinary story of his life and career over half a century, revealing how Singapore's second Prime Minister rose through a combination of strength, wit and a political nous which many, including himself, did not know he had. In this first of two volumes, Goh navigated years of a challenging apprenticeship to Lee, scoring numerous policy successes but also suffering political blows and humiliation.
He was the man who first made Neptune Orient Lines, Singapore's national carrier, profitable, before entering politics. The stellar corporate stint was followed by his many novel policies and institutions that have since become household names in the country: Medisave, Total Defence, Residents' Committee and Nominated Member of Parliament. But the highlights were counterposed by setbacks, including overseeing the People's Action Party's first electoral defeat after independence at the Anson by-election.
In the hands of acclaimed author and journalist Peh Shing Huei, this authorised biography reveals the private deliberations and negotiations between Goh and Lee before the maiden leadership transfer of independent Singapore. Tall Order is the first biography of Goh. This riveting book offers rare insights into Singapore's biggest and most important political and economic stories.
"An inspiring and extraordinary story of an 'improbable politician', who rose to lead Singapore after the legendary Lee Kuan Yew. The biography offers invaluable insights into how Goh Chok Tong walked tall 'in his own shoes' overcoming challenges and defeating difficulties in the path of Singapore's consolidation. And how his strengths and values reflect and also reinforce those of Singapore. This volume whets our appetite for the second volume of the biography."
Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India
"Engaging and thought-provoking insights drawn from the leadership of one of Asia's most eminent statesmen. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong sheds inspiring light on the values, vision and valour of the new Singapore dream — both inclusive and sustainable — in our changing world."
Ban Ki-moon former United Nations Secretary-General
"Goh Chok Tong is a friend whom I cherish. But, more important than that, he has been instrumental in building a Singapore that is confident of its future at home, and respected widely overseas. Chok Tong views the world not only through the prism of what events mean for Singapore, but also what they presage for the wider world. In short, he is a true Statesman."
Sir John Major former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
"Goh Chok Tong, both as Defence Minister and later the second Prime Minister of Singapore, was integral to the great success of that country since its foundation as an independent country. I knew him well in both capacities. His insights were always sharp, his commitment to the continued success of his country unconditional, and the importance he placed on close links between Australia and Singapore was never in doubt. I continue to value his friendship and opinion on contemporary issues."
John Howard former Prime Minister of Australia
"Tall Order is more than the personal story of Goh Chok Tong. In his own words, it is 'a book about Singapore's transition from Mr Lee Kuan Yew to the next generation'. As I see it from outside, Chok Tong played a strategic and indispensable role in ensuring that this passing of the baton was a smooth and inspiring progression. This book is a living testimonial of contemporary politics. It is also an account of modern day administration that followers of government and politics should not miss."
Tung Chee-hwa former Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR
"The story of Goh Chok Tong, our second Prime Minister, is an inspiration for young Singaporeans, especially those from humble families. There is no glass ceiling for Singaporeans, if you are able, hardworking and lucky. I love the book."
Tommy Koh Ambassador-at-Large of Singapore
"Tall Order, a biography of Goh Chok Tong, is a must-read for all who are interested in the modern political history of Singapore and political succession. A treasure trove of frank insights into the internal workings of cabinet and government decision-making, this book stands with the two volumes of Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs as major contributions to understanding governance and politics in Singapore. The full interviews with Goh make riveting reading."
Chan Heng Chee Ambassador-at-Large of Singapore
"Goh Chok Tong's life story firmly rebuts the adage that nice guys finish last. He is the Singaporean equivalent of Everyman — the honest, hardworking and congenial colleague or neighbour who does not intimidate you with his brilliance or oratory but is the decent bloke who's destined to succeed. With his authentic, unique and disarming style, and an incisive and decisive personality which belies his outward casualness, Goh Chok Tong has left his imprint on Singapore as its second Prime Minister. This book, full of personal insights and anecdotes, reflects the man and the leader."
Ho Kwon Ping Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings
Peh Shing Huei is a Singapore Literature Prize-winning author of several books, including the No. 1 bestseller Neither Civil Nor Servant: The Philip Yeo Story. He is a founding partner of content agency The Nutgraf, and former news editor and China bureau chief at The Straits Times.
Other books written and co-written by the author: Dream Island: The Mad, Mad World of Philip Yeo; Project 0812: The Inside Story of Singapore's Journey to Olympic Glory; Rings of Stars and Crescent: 70 Years of the Olympic Movement in Singapore; When the Party Ends: China's Leaps and Stumbles after the Beijing Olympics; Struck by Lightning: Singaporean Voices Post-1965.
