Older candidates with more experience can be a boon for PAP and Singapore
The writer says that on the economic front, a handful of new elder candidates will bring with them expertise and a useful network of contacts which they can share with the younger compatriots.
I agree with veteran journalist Han Fook Kwang’s suggestion that the People’s Action Party draw candidates in their 50s and 60s to inject diversity into its leadership.
The future may belong to the young because they have the energy and imagination to transform Singapore. But they lack experience which can only be accumulated over a lifetime.
This deficiency can be compensated by bringing in those who are older and more experienced to join the leadership team. They will have a better sense of how policies will affect society, especially policies addressing the aged. This will in turn help make Singapore more inclusive as we become a fast ageing society.
Even on the economic front, a handful of new elder candidates will bring with them expertise and a useful network of contacts which they can share with the younger compatriots.
They can draw from their experience to point out pitfalls which the inexperienced may not anticipate.
Tapping talents of similar profiles may be expedient, but it may prevent sharp discussions as the candidates are inclined to preserve the status quo.
Over time, there is a danger they could become disengaged from the masses by living in a guarded reality reinforced by a few like-minded persons.
The risk of groupthink is real and should be avoided.
In a fast-changing world, we have to constantly reinvent ourselves to keep Singapore relevant.
Every person, regardless of age, can be an invaluable asset to grow the pie so that more can benefit. Diversity in views should be treasured.
The composition of members in the government and from where they are drawn should be dynamic to meet challenges brought by ever changing realities.
