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He added that he would rather serve the nation in other ways, such as mentoring underprivileged youth through social service agency Tasek Academy and Social Services.
This audio is generated by an AI tool.
This was similar to the points raised by a former Workers’ Party (WP) cadre who declined a candidacy invitation in 2019 – a year before the last General Election.
Having been a WP member for nearly a decade, the woman in her 30s said that she did not want to sacrifice her personal and family time, as she has observed how Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to be on the ground almost 24/7.
“When it comes to public scrutiny, it’s even harder for women. Their looks, dressing and weight are judged,” she added.
“It does not help that whenever you go out, you must be mindful of your behaviour since you’re easily recognisable. It’s stressful that you cannot really be yourself whenever you step out of the door.”
She did not want to be named because she was not permitted to speak to the media, similar to several party members and insiders who spoke to CNA TODAY for this article.
Prospective candidates also declined to be publicly identified, as they work in organisations that do not permit political affiliations or because they did not want to "close the door" on the political party's overtures.
During the recent PAP conference on Nov 24, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, then the party's deputy secretary-general, highlighted the challenge of recruitment, noting that former prime ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Goh Chok Tong had faced the same difficulties.
