The former manpower minister and labour chief last held the rank of major and headed a department developing computerised information systems for military operations.
He left for the National Computer Board and then the Economic Development Board, before entering politics in 1997. He became a full minister in 2001, up till 2020 when he retired.
“Leadership is about setting goals, formulating strategies, guiding and motivating everyone in the team, and aligning collective efforts of all to jointly achieve our shared outcomes,” he said. “Many of the soft skills and hard know-how are common, relevant and applicable to both military and civilian settings.”
“NO GUARANTEE” OF SUCCESS
Yet having a military CV can come with potential pitfalls as well, observers noted.
“The civilian world is more collaborative and less hierarchical,” said Dr Lee. “An authoritative leadership style developed in the military may clash with the expectations of teamwork and individual empowerment in civilian settings.”
Assoc Prof Singh also pointed to the learning curve involved in becoming a lawmaker in Singapore, be it grassroots familiarity, parliamentary processes or international relations and beyond.
“It does not mean because you’re a military general, that you will become a political general tomorrow,” he said. “No guarantee.”
How well former military officers adapt would depend on how open-minded they are; whether they’re prepared to put aside any pride; and how well they accept the constant spotlight.
“The shift is more difficult nowadays because of social media and because of the transparency,” said Assoc Prof Singh. “Don’t forget the army life is still very private, but the political life is 101 per cent public.”
In terms of appealing to voters, their military affiliation is less important than their actions and behaviour on the ground, said the political scientist.
“The senior military officers’ personality and temperament, along with the public belief in their sincerity to serve constituents, will be the key factor.”
Softer aspects such as emotional intelligence will also matter in trying to leave an impression, especially for a younger electorate interested and invested in a greater myriad of issues, Assoc Prof Singh added.
Former minister Yeo told CNA that it was a years-long effort for him to understand more about the lives and hopes and fears of Singaporeans from different backgrounds.
“It is necessary to be familiar with social and political structures, but that is not enough,” he said. “In politics, one needs to empathise with all segments of society … That learning requires not only an active mind but a willing heart.”
JOINING THE OPPOSITION
Outside of the ruling party, Singapore’s opposition has never had Members of Parliament of high-ranking military background.
Former air force lieutenant-colonel Francis Yuen is perhaps most notable for becoming secretary-general of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) between 2021 and 2023, succeeding party founder and former PAP MP Tan Cheng Bock.
He contested the 2020 GE, as did another former lieutenant-colonel in the PSP’s ranks: Nadarajah Loganathan, who exited the party’s highest decision-making body after its latest election on Mar 20.
Also not re-elected to PSP’s central executive committee was former assistant secretary-general and former SAF colonel Ang Yong Guan, who had contested the last three polls under the banners of the Singapore Democratic Party, SingFirst and PSP respectively.
The PSP also counts former brigadier-general Lee Hsien Yang, son of Singapore’s founding prime minister, as a member. He joined the party in June 2020, ahead of the general election that year, though he did not eventually stand in the contest.
