Singapore’s future pool of political leaders might shrink if the personal sacrifices required for public service become too burdensome, according to Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng. During a parliamentary debate concerning political salaries, Tan highlighted the significant demands placed on those in public service, such as extended working hours, increased responsibilities, and an intense level of scrutiny that leads to diminished privacy. For many professionals contemplating a political career, this choice often involves leaving promising private-sector roles just as they reach the pinnacle of their careers.
Tan cited the examples of senior leaders like Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and former Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, both of whom transitioned from successful medical careers to politics. He emphasized that their ministerial earnings could not possibly compensate for the lucrative financial prospects they left behind. Tan argued that Singapore could stand to gain from the expertise of seasoned professionals entering politics during their peak years. These individuals might include entrepreneurs, finance experts, and mid-career executives who also juggle family obligations. Nonetheless, such potential candidates face the challenge of assessing the trade-offs in terms of lost time, future career options, personal ambitions, privacy, and income.
Tan cautioned that if the personal sacrifices become excessively steep, Singapore might lose talented individuals who are willing to serve but are deterred by the hefty cost of entering public service. He himself joined politics at the age of 55 after a lengthy career in the private sector that spanned more than 30 years. Prior to his governmental role in 2020, Tan held senior positions in the healthcare sector, notably as group CEO and managing director of Parkway Pantai.
Reflecting on his decision to enter politics, Tan noted that his extensive career in the private sector had provided him with both financial stability and independence, facilitating his transition into public service. He shared from his own experience that no realistic ministerial salary could compete with the earnings he had achieved in his previous private-sector roles.