Singapore PM Goh Chok Tong Sunday night delivered the National Day Message, his last as Prime Minister, with a 'happy heart'. He said goodbye to the nation.

In vintage Goh style, his message was warm, humble and personal, even when he spoke of the lessons gleaned from 14 years as PM.

'Many of you have thanked me for taking care of Singapore. Tonight, I want to thank you.

'I have had the privilege of leading Singapore. I could not have shouldered the responsibility alone. I am deeply grateful to you, my fellow Singaporeans, for your support. And the support of my Cabinet colleagues, Members of Parliament and my party...

'My fellow Singaporeans, serving you has been the highest honour of my life,' he said, adding that he was 'very happy' to be leaving the office of PM 'at a time of my own choosing'.

He had pledged on Nov 28, 1990, when he was sworn in as Singapore's second Prime Minister, 'to ensure that Singapore thrives and grows after Mr Lee Kuan Yew; to find a new group of men and women to help me carry on where he and his colleagues left off; and to build a nation of character and grace where people live lives of dignity and fulfilment, and care for one another'.

Fourteen years on, he has the satisfaction of knowing he has kept faith with the people.

Economically, the country has progressed: Gross domestic product per capita was $21,950 in 1990, but $38,023 last year. Growth this year is expected to sizzle at 8 per cent to 9 per cent.

But Mr Goh's legacy goes beyond the economic, to the social realm where he made his imprint: forging stronger bonds among Singaporeans, and between citizens and government.

As he noted: 'Our society is more compassionate, open and gracious. We have inducted a capable group of younger leaders. As a people, our bonds have deepened. As a nation, we are maturing. We are now more confident of who we are, and what we stand for.'

Reflecting his pledge to nurture a 'gentler, kinder society', his speech, broadcast on national television, was subtitled for the hearing- impaired, only the second year this has been done. And for the first time, Mr Goh delivered his National Day message in Mandarin and Malay, in addition to English. The speech in Tamil was delivered on his behalf by MP K. Shanmugam.

Distilling 14 years' experience as PM, he said one key lesson was that Singapore's future depends on the commitment of its people.

As for himself, although he steps down as PM on Thursday, he will remain in Cabinet. He said: 'I will be there with you too. Hsien Loong has asked me to stay on in the Cabinet. I have agreed to do so.'

Source: Agencies