Essentially, the challenge lies in determining the most effective approach to address personal indiscretions and deceit.
In WP’s case, while they initially had a tip-off from Mr Perera’s former driver, a thorough follow-up investigation was conspicuously absent. The leadership’s response primarily involved questioning Mr Perera and Ms Seah, who denied having an affair.
One should consider, however, that few individuals would readily admit to such indiscretions due to potential repercussions not only in the political sphere but also for their families. It would also have been rather difficult to verify those allegations without supporting evidence or corroborating information at that time.
The issue resurfaced only on Monday after a poorly recorded video showed the pair behaving intimately at a restaurant, surprising even the WP leadership. Mr Perera and Ms Seah then admitted to the affair and resigned from the party.
In Mr Tan and Ms Cheng’s case, Mr Lee said he was first alerted to their relationship after the 2020 General Election. Both of them were counselled and it was hoped they would put things right, but they did not.
Mr Lee spoke to Mr Tan about the relationship again in February this year, during which the latter offered to resign. Mr Lee accepted the resignation and told Mr Tan to put a stop to the relationship while arrangements were made to take care of the residents of Kembangan-Chai Chee and Marine Parade, but the pair continued the relationship.
The extramarital affairs within both parties have resulted in some reputational costs for the WP and PAP, as those involved had been very competent and capable individuals.
The most concerning aspect is the impact on the families of those involved.
As the nation grapples with the implications of these events, it is crucial for both the WP and the PAP to introspect, recalibrate their strategies and chart a path to rebuild trust, foster ethical leadership and ensure a robust political landscape for Singapore’s future.
Only by addressing these challenges head-on can the parties emerge stronger and continue their contributions to the nation’s governance.
Dr Felix Tan is a political analyst at Nanyang Technological University. He is co-author of Unmasking Singapore’s 2020 General Elections: COVID-19 And The Evolving Political Landscape, (Singapore: World Scientific, 2021).