Exploring the challenges of mental health and gender dynamics among Singaporean politicians.
Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, may very well be one of the most high-profile figures to join the Great Resignation wave. But will we ever see a similar situation unfold in Singapore? Probably not.
Politicians resigning from office amid scandals and issues of competence are common (think of Britain’s Liz Truss, Vietnam’s Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Japan’s Yoshihide Suga). However, Ardern’s reason for stepping down—admitting she’s burnt out—is one that many can relate to. “You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges,” she stated during a media conference, emphasizing her lack of reserves. In other words, she’s all burnt out. Ardern is expected to conclude her five-and-a-half-year term by early February to spend more time with her young daughter and partner.
On MPs and Burnout (or the Lack Thereof)
We often hear politicians proclaiming, “Yes, we can!” or some variation of that iconic rallying cry. It’s much rarer to hear one admit they can’t go on.
To put things into perspective, this has simply never happened in Singapore. Our politicians seem to possess such a stiff upper lip that even admitting their struggles isn’t the norm. For instance, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung responded to questions about burnout by saying, “I’ve never thought about that. So long as there is work, so long as things need to be done. I suppose at some point, when things really subside, and I have time to rest, I’ll probably collapse.” Essentially, the message is: get the job done first, rest later.
Poh Li San, an MP and Vice President of Changi Airport Group, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m quite a persistent person, so giving up doesn’t appear in my brain.” Tin Pei Ling, another MP and former CEO of Business China, was slightly more candid, acknowledging in an interview that emotionally, it’s challenging to juggle the demands of being an MP alongside her responsibilities.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing provided a rare glimpse of vulnerability during the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) #BetterTogether initiative, admitting that unkind comments online “really hurt.”
The issue of politicians and mental health has been largely uncharted territory in Singapore, with former Workers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan making headlines for openly discussing her therapy sessions. This, of course, was prior to her own mental health-driven resignation amid the WP drama. Many of our MPs advocate for safe spaces to discuss mental health issues and better work-life balance. The core question remains: Is admitting you’re not okay a luxury afforded to Singaporean politicians?
Women in Singapore Politics
Delving into the complexities of gender, one must ask: Would a woman in Singapore be able to pull a ‘Jacinda Ardern’ and step down due to burnout? Or would she face greater backlash than her male counterparts?
Women are already underrepresented in Singapore’s political landscape, with only 27 elected women out of a total of 93 parliamentarians. With their minority status, female politicians often exert extra effort to avoid being stereotyped, as noted by education and social development specialist Theresa W. Devasahayam in a 2013 study. Female MPs tend to sidestep heavy focus on women’s issues to be perceived as equals to men.
Given the pressure on these women to prove themselves, it stands to reason that they would find it even harder to openly discuss their difficulties.
Quitting Is Okay
While Singaporeans often focus on how much ministers are paid (approximately $55,000 a month), it’s important to recognize that politics comes with its own unique set of stressors. A 2020 article in the Parliamentary Affairs journal highlights that the challenges politicians face are “exceptionally intense.”
These challenges range from cultural issues, like meeting public expectations and dealing with distrust from electors, to institutional pressures from competitive organizational cultures, and individual burdens such as punishing hours that require significant personal sacrifices.
So, while everyone in Singapore is feeling stressed, government officials arguably bear the brunt of it. Their high salaries don’t absolve them from the mental toll that their roles entail. Admitting to their struggles could pave the way for a broader discussion on mental health in the workplace, normalizing these conversations for all.
Amid the noise from critics suggesting that Ardern chose to step down on good terms rather than face a potential election loss this October, her exit sends a universal message: it’s okay to prioritize your well-being over your job—even when an entire country depends on you.
