Singapore’s practice of recruiting former military officers into politics has come under renewed scrutiny following the resignation of Chief of Army Major-General (MG) David Neo on 25 February 2025.
His departure, while officially described as routine, has sparked speculation over a possible entry into politics, especially with General Election 2025 approaching.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has long drawn political talent from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), with notable figures such as Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Education Minister Chan Chun Sing transitioning from military leadership into government.
Political analysts interviewed by CNA argue that SAF-trained leaders possess valuable qualities, such as discipline, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure.
However, Singaporeans question whether these attributes translate well into politics, where understanding the daily struggles of ordinary Singaporeans is crucial.
A well-trodden path from the SAF to politics
Over the years, many former military officers have taken up political office under the PAP banner.
Former major-general Ng Chee Meng, for instance, entered politics after resigning as Chief of Defence Force in 2015.
Although he initially won as part of the Pasir Ris-Punggol team, he later lost in Sengkang GRC during the 2020 election.
Recent sightings of Ng at community events have fuelled speculation that he may contest in Jalan Kayu SMC in the upcoming elections.
Other ex-military figures who transitioned to politics include former brigadier-generals Gan Siow Huang and Desmond Tan, who were elected as PAP candidates in 2020 and have since taken on political office roles.
George Yeo defends SAF-to-politics tradition, calls defence ‘inseparable’ from statehood
Former Foreign Minister George Yeo, also a retired brigadier-general, defended the practice in a recent interview with CNA.
He stressed that defence has remained “inseparable” from Singapore’s statehood and independence since the 1990s, making the SAF and National Service (NS) core institutions of the country.
Yeo acknowledged, however, that transitioning from military leadership to politics requires more than just strategic expertise.
“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.”
Experts warn military leadership may not suit collaborative nature of politics
Dr Terence Lee, a senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), pointed out that military officers transitioning into civilian politics is not unique to Singapore, citing examples from the United States.
He noted that discipline and ethical behaviour instilled by military service are attributes that can be “readily transferable” to the civilian world.
However, Dr Lee also cautioned that military leadership does not always align with the collaborative nature of politics.
He explained that Singapore’s first-generation leaders deliberately ensured civilian control over the military to prevent coups—an issue that plagued many post-colonial states.
Unlike in other countries, SAF officers in Singapore are integrated into broader society rather than isolated in military academies.
Associate Professor Bilveer Singh added that the practice of recruiting former SAF officers into politics has been encouraged since the 1980s, with military scholarships playing a role in shaping state leadership.
While he acknowledged that military leaders bring strong decision-making and strategic planning skills, he stressed that political success is not guaranteed.
“The real question is: Can they match the problems on the ground with experiential fortitude?” he asked.
Ravi: Opposition candidates make ‘real sacrifices’ unlike PAP candidates
Despite the PAP’s justification for recruiting from the military, there is growing sentiment among voters that political candidates should be chosen based on their ability to relate to Singaporeans rather than their leadership experience in the armed forces.
Commenting on CNA’s Facebook page, a netizen argued that the military’s “Command Respect or Respect Command” leadership style may not align well with civilian governance.
“Every candidate is equal in the eyes of the voters,” the comment added.
Prominent human rights lawyer M Ravi, who walk the ground with alternative party Red Dot United recently, contrasted opposition candidates’ struggles with those of PAP candidates.
“The key is people who step up as opposition candidates make immense sacrifices against all odds and hence make real sacrifices for the people, unlike PAP candidates,” he remarked.
Others pointed out that leaders like George Yeo and Tan Chuan-Jin were exceptions, as they were seen as genuinely connecting with the people.
A common sentiment was that civilian leaders, such as Tharman Shanmugaratnam, have been more effective in politics than military-trained leaders.
Public scepticism over ex-SAF leaders’ ability to connect with everyday Singaporeans
Some Singaporeans remain sceptical about former military officers’ ability to engage meaningfully with the public.
Critics argue that many ex-SAF leaders are academically qualified but lack real-time experience dealing with ground issues.
“Military leaders in our country do not have actual combat experience, so their leadership remains a conformity debate,” one comment noted.
Additionally, concerns have been raised over whether ex-military officers-turned-politicians might be too detached from grassroots concerns.
One social media user lamented that SAF leaders often rise through ranks in structured career paths without first-hand exposure to common citizens’ struggles.
While the PAP remains Singapore’s most dominant political force, some voters believe a stronger opposition presence in Parliament is needed to ensure greater accountability and debate on key national issues.
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