By Michiyo Ishida | Posted: 24 June 2011 2154 hrs
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Mr Goh Chok Tong poses after receiving the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo (AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA)</td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td class="update"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td>
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TOKYO: Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said former deputy prime minister Tony Tan is an eminently suitable candidate for Singapore president.
"I welcome his announcement he wants to contest in the presidential election," Mr Goh said.
"He is eminently a suitable candidate. Going forward, people will decide who will be next president of Singapore. I welcome his candidacy."
Mr Goh was speaking to Singapore media in Tokyo, after receiving one of the country's highest honours from the Emperor of Japan.
Emperor Akihito presented 10 recipients the highest order of the Japanese decoration -- the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun -- at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
In congratulating them, the emperor expressed his appreciation for the contributions they've made to his country, its society and to its people.
Mr Goh was recognised for his contribution to Japan's launch of its first economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Singapore in 2002.
In addition, he established the Japan Singapore symposium which became a biennial event.
"I felt gratified. Gratified in a sense that, my contribution to Japan-Singapore relations has endured my tenure as prime minister," Mr Goh said.
"It's been seven years since I've stepped down as prime minister and the contribution is recognised by DPJ government for my work done under the LDP government.
"In that sense, this long relationship is recognised by the Japanese government".
Mr Goh was also congratulated by lawmakers he met during his four-day stay in Tokyo, including leaders of the Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito.
They discussed Japan's challenges after the March 11 disasters.
Mr Goh asked them to use the lesson Japan has learned from its nuclear meltdown to raise global awareness of nuclear safety, regulations, inspections, expertise and capabilities.
-CNA/wk
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Mr Goh Chok Tong poses after receiving the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo (AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA)</td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td class="update"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td>
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</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4"><hr align="left" color="#dddddd" size="1" width="510"></td> </tr> </tbody></table>
TOKYO: Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said former deputy prime minister Tony Tan is an eminently suitable candidate for Singapore president.
"I welcome his announcement he wants to contest in the presidential election," Mr Goh said.
"He is eminently a suitable candidate. Going forward, people will decide who will be next president of Singapore. I welcome his candidacy."
Mr Goh was speaking to Singapore media in Tokyo, after receiving one of the country's highest honours from the Emperor of Japan.
Emperor Akihito presented 10 recipients the highest order of the Japanese decoration -- the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun -- at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
In congratulating them, the emperor expressed his appreciation for the contributions they've made to his country, its society and to its people.
Mr Goh was recognised for his contribution to Japan's launch of its first economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Singapore in 2002.
In addition, he established the Japan Singapore symposium which became a biennial event.
"I felt gratified. Gratified in a sense that, my contribution to Japan-Singapore relations has endured my tenure as prime minister," Mr Goh said.
"It's been seven years since I've stepped down as prime minister and the contribution is recognised by DPJ government for my work done under the LDP government.
"In that sense, this long relationship is recognised by the Japanese government".
Mr Goh was also congratulated by lawmakers he met during his four-day stay in Tokyo, including leaders of the Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito.
They discussed Japan's challenges after the March 11 disasters.
Mr Goh asked them to use the lesson Japan has learned from its nuclear meltdown to raise global awareness of nuclear safety, regulations, inspections, expertise and capabilities.
-CNA/wk
Then Now he is the Emeritus Senior minister.
:p:p:p