Emeritus senior minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong underwent a successful surgery for prostate cancer today, said a statement released by his press secretary.

His doctor, Dr Sim Hong Gee, a senior consultant urologist at Gleneagles Hospital and visiting consultant at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), said Goh is expected to make a full recovery as the cancer was localised and detected early.

He will remain at SGH for a few days for observation.

Goh, 73 ( left ), became Singapore’s second prime minister on Nov 28, 1990, succeeding Lee Kuan Yew, and served in the role until Aug 12, 2004, when he stepped down and was succeeded by the current Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.

Subsequently, he served as senior minister until May 2011, and as chairperson of the Monetary Authority Of Singapore (MAS).

Goh continues to serve as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency and holds the honorary title of EMS.

- Bernama