He cited how out of the 600-odd students who scored four As in their A levels each year, about 150 would eventually work abroad, some never to return. Implied in this is that our future top leaders would probably be from this 600-odd number.

Looking in the wrong places?

I feel that to limit the search to students who can ace examinations is slightly myopic and that perhaps we are looking in the wrong places. Management students would have heard of Level 5 leadership (for example, the late President Wee Kim Wee); or Great man aka Traits theory (that leadership is inherent, for example, MM Lee Kuan Yew); and other theories. But Singapore's 4 A's theory of political leadership, we have not.

Furthermore, to address this vital issue of future political leadership fully, we cannot avoid the problem of Singapore's high emigration rate as the two issues are inextricably intertwined.

Singapore's emigration rate, one of the highest in the world on a per capita basis, is a serious threat to our viability as a nation. Many social commentators have already voiced their concerns that quick fixes whereby Singaporeans who have left are replaced by more-than-willing new citizens from India and China may not have its intended effect as it is difficult to sieve out those who see Singapore only as a hotel and not home.

Although globalisation - where talented Singaporeans are a scarce commodity courted by developed economies - must be the main culprit for our population outflow, an often quoted push factor is that Singapore is too regulated and stifling. Perhaps these ex-Singaporeans feel that they do not belong here and that they would rather invest their lives in another land.

I wonder if the establishment would agree with me that a political structure that leaves little room for alternative paths and views is 'regulated and stifling'. Would our present leaders ever consider a new paradigm. A paradigm with a level playing field and where the best ideas can emerge freely to lead us to greater heights.

Conclusion: Voting with the feet is worse than voting for the other side

The risk of the citizens voting for the other side is still better than if they voted with their feet. Even if they voted against the ruling party, they may still be persuaded the next time. Once they have left, they are gone forever.

Dr Huang Shoou Chyuan