PAP's Rahayu Mahzam an 'accidental politician'

Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam sees her job as a female politician as an honour that comes with the daily opportunity to make a difference in people's lives and champion causes that matter.

- Tham Yuen-C

Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam describes herself as an "accidental politician".

The 44-year-old says she never sought to run for elections when she first got involved with the People's Action Party (PAP) as a volunteer, then as an activist.

She had been involved in community work since her teenage years. This intensified when she started work as a lawyer and joined various committees, such as those under the National Library Board and government feedback unit Reach.

She was asked to stand for elections in 2011 but turned the PAP down, and again in 2015, when she agreed.

"I was asked, and initially I had reservations, as at that juncture I was just starting to volunteer at the branches with MPS (Meet-the-People Sessions). Then I was asked again, and I said yes, and the rest is history," she told The Straits Times.

Then there was the "misunderstanding" about her husband's views on her involvement.