Coaxing corporate execs to join politics

Coaxing corporate execs to join politics

The Straits Times did an Insight piece on how difficult it is to get corporate exec types to enter politics. I think they did it from a rather biased angle, assuming that execs will only join the PAP if ever they consider entering politics. But in any case, I think the mindsets expressed pose a challenge for both the ruling party and the opposition in recruiting good men and women to lead the country.

Some of the interviewees said they would be willing to step forward “if one day the Government fails, it is corrupt and there are policy failures”. This is heartening to hear, but is still the wrong thinking. Once the rot is apparent, it may be a bit too late to set things right. Singapore is a small country and cannot afford a “transition period” where things are in a mess. People who have the interest and ability, and genuinely care for their fellow citizens are needed in both the ruling party and the opposition. They should step forward and not wait to be asked, as if it is some badge of honour to be “headhunted”.

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