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What reinforced his decision was his experience volunteering for President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's presidential election campaign last year. He had front-row seats to the scrutiny that candidates and their families faced.
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 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.
