Singapore’s potential pool of political leaders may diminish if the costs associated with public service become prohibitive, warned Tan See Leng, the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry). In a parliamentary discussion about political salaries, Tan highlighted the sacrifices involved in public service, such as extended working hours, increased responsibilities, relentless scrutiny, and diminished privacy. He noted that professionals eyeing a transition into politics face the tough decision of leaving private-sector careers just as they reach their zenith.
Tan referenced figures like Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and former Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who left successful medical professions to pursue politics. He emphasized that their ministerial earnings could not possibly compensate for the lucrative prospects they abandoned. Tan argues that Singapore stands to gain significantly from seasoned professionals entering the political arena during their peak years, including entrepreneurs, finance experts, and mid-career executives with familial duties. Yet, these individuals must consider the potential loss of personal time, career prospects, ambitions, privacy, and financial income in their decision-making process.
He warned that if the personal costs become too steep, Singapore might miss out on capable leaders not due to a lack of willingness to serve, but because the overall burden of public service becomes unsustainable. Tan himself embarked on his political journey at 55, following over three decades in the private sector. Prior to his 2020 government role, he held senior leadership positions within the healthcare industry, notably as group CEO and managing director of Parkway Pantai.
Tan acknowledged that his extensive private-sector experience provided him with financial stability and greater autonomy when deciding to enter politics. He admitted that no feasible ministerial salary could equate to his previous earnings in the private sector. Through his own journey, Tan underscores the substantial personal and financial considerations involved in the decision to commit to public service.