As for my family, I am aware that I am perceived by outsiders – including some members of my extended family – to be at the bottom of the totem pole among my nuclear family, including both my sisters-in-law. This does not upset me.

We all have our own roles in society. I chose a role that is relatively low-profile, but which gives me satisfaction since I am able to help and comfort my patients. The psychological rewards of being a doctor are almost immediate versus the longer timeframes for a public policy or business decision to bear fruit.

But perceptions, whether accurate or not, do affect how people react to me. Many people think I have a “godfather”. But as my staff at the National Neuroscience Institute know, events last year proved that my family connections do not give me special protection.

Others may believe that I am powerful and have special privileges. But I am influential only if I, like any other writer, can persuade Singaporeans to a particular point of view.

As for special privileges, what are they? Well, I can use the Istana grounds, as I have since my childhood. But it has been a while since I used the Istana grounds to jog or exercise, though I do take friends there for a walk once or twice a year.

But perceptions, as I said, do matter. I know many people do not treat me the way they would treat others. I try to put them at ease by treating them as equals. In discussions, some who do not know me well may defer to me though I actually prefer robust debate. I cannot know everything, and most certainly cannot be right on every occasion.

“Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story,” the Desiderata urges us. I have a strong egalitarian streak, so I naturally would listen to the “dull and ignorant”.

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