He Ting Ru stresses need for robust opposition and competition to avoid groupthink in Singapore’s politics

SINGAPORE: Member of Parliament for Sengkang GRC, He Ting Ru, stressed the need for a robust and responsible opposition to ensure Singapore’s long-term stability and adaptability amidst a rapidly changing global environment.

In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao, Ms He highlighted the risks of a political system devoid of genuine competition, stating, “a political system without real competition carries higher risks for the country and society. Without external pressures or competing viewpoints, there’s a danger of groupthink.”

She underlined that both ruling and opposition parties must remain vigilant and adapt to shifting geopolitical, social, and environmental landscapes.

He Ting Ru Discusses the Challenges of Motherhood and Parliamentary Life

In the exclusive interview, published on 1 December, Ms He also shed light on the balance between her political career and family life.

After graduating from the University of Cambridge, she initially worked in law firms in London and Frankfurt before returning to Singapore as a corporate lawyer.

She entered politics in 2011 and was elected in 2020 as the leader of the team in Sengkang GRC, where she also serves as the chairman of the town council.

Ms He shared the challenges she faces as a mother of three young children while balancing her parliamentary duties.

She highlighted the emotional toll of her children’s requests for her presence during evenings and weekends when she attends political events.

Terrece Tan, who had contested in two previous elections without success, left the Workers’ Party in April 2024 to support his wife in her work within the constituency and to spend more time with their young children while developing his career.

In the interview, Ms He clarified that her decision did not suggest women are better suited for politics, but noted it was impractical for both parents to focus on politics while neglecting their children’s needs.

He Ting Ru Advocates for More Professional Mothers in Politics to Strengthen Opposition and Ensure Healthy Competition

Ms He admitted that there are times when she feels guilty for not fulfilling her role as a mother in the way society expects.

Despite these challenges, she believed that having more professional mothers in politics brings valuable perspectives to Singapore’s political landscape, contributing to a healthier opposition and preventing government weakness due to a lack of competition.

She mentioned that two other MPs in the Sengkang team, Louis Chua Kheng Wee and Associate Professor Jamus Lim, are fathers, and all of them share a common goal: to work for the country and their children’s future, with the aim of making Singapore a better place.

Empowering Women and Vulnerable Groups

After four years in Parliament, Ms He has become increasingly aware that Singapore’s society struggles to accept failure and differing opinions, which could hinder the nation’s ability to address future challenges.

he highlighted how Singaporeans often fear failure, associating it with stigmatisation or low-status jobs, reflecting rigid notions of success.

She advocates for greater respect for all workers and professions and hoping that this shift in mindset will help vulnerable groups integrate better into society.

Reflecting on her personal decision to return to Singapore to care for her grandmother, Ms He expressed her aspirations to empower women and vulnerable individuals.

In 2011, she decided to forgo career opportunities abroad to return to Singapore and be with her 95-year-old grandmother, who was battling cancer. Her grandmother passed away four years later.

He Ting Ru Reflects on Grandmother’s Resilience and Its Impact on Her Political Perspective

Ms He shared a deeply personal reflection on her childhood and the profound influence her grandmother had on her life and perspectives.

She recounted her grandmother’s experiences of escaping war-torn China and migrating to Southeast Asia. Despite her grandmother’s limited formal education, she was self-taught, fluent in multiple languages, and an avid reader of Lianhe Zaobao.

They communicated in Mandarin, and while Ms He was not fluent in Teochew, she understood it, which helped her connect with her grandmother’s heritage and stories.

Conversations with her grandmother taught Ms He the importance of listening to the older generation, fostering a deep respect for their experiences and insights.

Ms He also shared that her time at Cambridge further honed her ability to critically evaluate policies, identify blind spots, and approach issues objectively—skills she applies in her political career.