If you start claiming things, people start looking askance at you. Some might also want to guard the sense of mystique, he adds. The less seen, the more to be wondered at. On the lack of privileges for cadres, he notes that being elevated to a higher status is equated with something prestigious. You know you are among the elite, the trusted few.
People are quite happy when told they have become cadres.
Mr Wong believes that most people join the party because they support, and want to contribute to, a party that has served the nation well. Through our dialogue with MPs, we understand things better and get a chance to find out more, that's the only advantage. A cadre is nominated by his MP from among the outstanding activists in his branch. About 100 candidates are put up each year. Selection is done by three interview panels of four or five ministers and MPs each.