Getting involved in politics in Singapore is a big deal.
Getting involved in politics in Singapore as the opposition is an even bigger deal.
So, it is not surprising, and very fitting, that Workers' Party politicians have come forward to pay tribute to their spouses and to publicly acknowledge both the unyielding support and long-suffering aspects that their loved ones have to go through.
Following Polling Day on July 10, 2020, WP candidates who have succeeded and fallen short at the ballot box have dedicated tributes to their significant others.
And these tributes are heartfelt, revealing, and touching, as the politicians' burdens are clearly not just theirs to bear.
Entering politics is already no small matter, what with with the unusual and almost taboo nature of being a Singaporean opposition politician, which is a major ask for any loved one and family.
Moreover, besides the long hours away from home, the all-consuming nature of going from candidate to MP then means that domestic life is strained both during the elections and in between, when real work gets done serving the community and speaking up for the people.
Here are the tributes WP politicians have put up on social media, as they thank their other half.
Pritam Singh
Pritam's tribute revealed that he cried during his wedding speech in 2012, as he felt his role as an MP required sacrifices from his wife.
He called it an "unfair imposition".
Married for eight years, Pritam and his wife have two daughters.
Raeesah Khan
Raeesah's tribute is short and sweet, as it featured the now-iconic photo of her and her husband embracing after Polling Day, having just become an MP-elect at the tender age of 26.
She wrote: "Happy Anniversary to us! We are equals in every aspect, and I’m grateful to share this journey with the partner of my heart ❤️."
Gerald Giam
Giam's post to this wife of 17 years showed the extent of her support: She was a polling agent at one of the polling centres in Aljunied GRC.
Giam wrote that his wife stuck by him through his multiple failures over the years to win at elections: "Through multiple electoral failures and struggles, she stuck with me and kept the faith. Many promising political careers end (or never get off the ground) because of family objections. I'm grateful to God to have always had the support of Elena, my kids and my parents, without which I could not have continued."
Kenneth Foo
Foo's post in English and Chinese featured a coy shot of his wife: She out of frame as he tied her shoelaces.
Foo wrote about being smitten by her despite their lifelong devotion to opposing football clubs: "Although you are a Liverpool fan while I support Man Utd, you made sure I never get to walk alone. Thank you dear. You are my best friend, companion and love of my life."
Nathaniel Koh
Koh's post paid tribute to the two woman in his life: His mother and his wife.
He has been with the WP for 11 years, most of the time helping behind the scenes.
This is Koh's first electoral contest in Marine Parade GRC.
Koh's wife, who is also a part of WP, is expecting.
Koh wrote: "Thankful to have the constant support of my mother and my wife throughout not just the 9-day campaign, but also my 11-year journey (and counting!) with the Workers' Party 🙏"
Top photos via Raeesah Khan Instagram via rajipoo & Pritam Singh Instagram