This article was originally published on Cherian George’s Facebook note.

I’ve had the chance to get to know two younger GE candidates before they joined politics. Both were the kind of individuals who made me feel good to be Singaporean.

One was a government scholar from Oxford University. When I was able to have a conversation with him, I was impressed with his unassuming manner and his obvious integrity. I'd first come across his name when he wrote for Singapore’s first online magazine, Sintercom. He displayed a social conscience as well as high intellect. I remember hoping that he would become a government leader one day.

The other gentleman was an activist who took on big corporations and government agencies. He was satisfied with earning a pittance despite his exceptional expertise and hard work. A few years ago, I brought a group of foreign journalists to meet him, as a shining example of a courageous and committed Singaporean do-gooder. Later, when I was a judge for the Singapore Advocacy Awards, the NGO he founded was a shoo-in for that year’s honour.

A funny thing happened on the way to GE2015. The former public servant and scholar, Leon Perera, became a Workers’ Party candidate. The animal rights activist, Louis Ng, is running for the People’s Action Party.

It’s as if they're in some trading-places reality show.

I know Louis would have had to face criticism from some civil society types for what they’d regard as a betrayal. I’m also certain that Leon is paying a price for his choice: despite his establishment credentials, he will undoubtedly be blacklisted by officialdom, and shunned by the more spineless denizens of Singapore’s privileged elite (not that that’s a cost to cry about).

I haven’t had the chance to talk to either Leon or Louis since they came out as candidates. But, I'm not inclined to disrespect their decisions. Since nobody knows the future, I figure it is a good thing that not all of Singapore’s best eggs are in just one basket.

Leon and Louis, all the best in your new roles.

Cherian George is a writer and academic engaged in journalism research, education and advocacy. He is an associate professor in the journalism department of Hong Kong Baptist University.

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