Ridout Road saga: Public perception matters but good politics is more than optics

For politicians, being criticised by the public is to be expected. But when does it cross the line and deter good people from stepping forward?

Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam speaking during the parliamentary debate on July 3. PHOTO: MCI
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“You’re never around. When you go home, your kids call you ‘uncle’.”

I will never forget what a politician’s staff member told me years ago about the impact work had on family life for a public figure.

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