During a recent parliamentary debate on political salaries, Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Tan See Leng, emphasized that the pool of potential political leaders in the nation might shrink if the personal costs of entering public service continue to rise. Highlighting the sacrifices required in public service, Tan noted the demands of longer working hours, increased responsibilities, constant scrutiny, and reduced privacy. These factors can deter professionals who are at the peak of their private-sector careers from considering a transition into politics.
Tan cited the examples of Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and former Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who both made the switch from successful medical careers to public service. He acknowledged that the financial remuneration from ministerial roles could not compete with the potential earnings they left behind. Tan stressed the importance of attracting accomplished professionals such as entrepreneurs, finance experts, and mid-career executives with family commitments to politics during their prime years. However, he warned that these individuals must consider the potential loss of time, career opportunities, personal ambitions, privacy, and income.
“If the personal price becomes too great,” Tan cautioned, Singapore might face losing talented potential leaders not due to a lack of willingness to serve but because the overall costs of public service are prohibitive. He underscored the need for a balanced approach to ensure that capable individuals are not dissuaded from stepping into political roles due to personal sacrifices outweighing the benefits of public service.
Tan himself transitioned into politics at the age of 55 following a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the private sector. Before joining the government in 2020, he held key leadership roles in the healthcare industry, including positions as group CEO and managing director at Parkway Pantai. He acknowledged that his extensive experience in the private sector afforded him financial stability and independence, which eased his decision to enter politics. He reflected on his journey, noting that no feasible ministerial salary could have equaled his previous earnings in the private sector.