Have you ever noticed how quite a few former generals from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) end up joining politics? It’s so common to the extent that sometimes you wonder if it’s a retirement plan.
But what’s the connection between the two? Have you wondered why ah? To help you understand a little bit, here’s why.
Why is it ALWAYS the Army Generals?
Generally hor, military leaders typically will have very solid and valuable skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, decision-making, and the ability to handle stressful situations. All these skills can be very helpful in politics because politicians also need to make quick decisions, manage crises, and lead people effectively.
Moving from the military to politics is not as straightforward or as easy as people always think.
Military leaders usually work within very clear and strict hierarchies. Orders are given and followed, and there isn’t much room for debate or disagreement. It’s always YES SIR YES SIR THREE BAGS FULL!
Politics hor, on the other hand, requires leaders to be more approachable, flexible, and responsive to the people’s needs and concerns. You see one good example is the Ivan Lim, he come out only straight away kena cancelled left right center by people because his face very smelly and he was allegedly not very nice to people.
Politicians, other than need to be smart enough to solve problems, they also need to interact directly with residents, smile smile, listen patiently, and empathize with them genuinely.
In Singapore, we’ve seen many former generals joining the People’s Action Party (PAP). Some very prominent examples include Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, and Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing.
Even Ng Chee Meng, currently Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), was also previously Chief of Defence Force in the SAF before stepping into politics.
Even with their impressive military backgrounds, success in politics isn’t 100% chop and guaranteed one ah.
They need to win the trust and confidence of voters. It is not just about making good decisions, but also must see how well they connect with people, understand daily problems, and explain solutions clearly.
At the end of the day, former generals must prove themselves again when stepping into political roles. It is like starting from zero all over for them when they join politics. They don’t bring the glory from their good old army days into politics because the voters, the uncles, aunties and commoners on the streets don’t give a hoot about how many stars or crabs they used to have on their uniform.
Their success will depend on their ability to resonate with residents, deliver on their promises, and adapt to civilian leadership.
As GE2025 approaches, let’s watch buy popcorn, sit on our sofas and see how the former military leaders navigate their new paths in civilian life and politics bah!
