Respect is not lost for Michael Palmer.

It was on the news, it was on twitter, it was like everywhere. The man who lead Punggol East SMC, "tio tai ji" liao.

So he left his duties, he step up and explained himself and he left the scene. I think his action was greatly respected by myself. Although that does give him some cookie points there is little one can keep him in the scene. What he did was "bad", he made a mistake which disappoint the people who voted for him, he made a mistake but he is just a man and man makes mistakes.(By man i mean human, so woman reading this don't get all yaya papaya.) I respect him for admitting the mistake and not running away.

Some on twitter mentioned things like why mixing his personal life and "professional life", he shouldn't be judged by what he does with his personal life. Sorry but I beg to differ. His "professional" life ain't a singer, actor or a fish ball noodle stall boss.

I just lost $20,000 last night okay.

If he was the above, I would say it doesn't matter what he does in his personal life as long as he sells good noodles. But as a MP, he is a role model, people learn from him/her, people look up to them.

Isn't it a very common saying where in an argument, kids will say things like " but papa, you also like that." Can you imagine how many man/woman will make the same mistake and say " there, our gahment also like that. okay mah~." This was the exact same argument i brought up with regards to the sexy teacher picture online.

It's about image, responsibility and duties. If you are in a job that requires you to be a role model, you have to be. IT IS PART OF BEING PROFESSIONAL.

It's about setting a social standard. If the social allows something, it is okay. It is always like that isn't it? For example Mosuo in China. They do not have marriage and only have sex and the mother will raise the kids. Confusing enough yet? Read that link to find out more.

Anyway, I have met Palmer before and I have to say he is a sincere man. When he talked to me, it make me understand the meaning of "in a position" (no pun intended for his current situation.). There are things that them as MPs understand and them as MPs knows but they as a small individual in a big organization, there are a lot of things that they are not allowed to speak in their own position. They have to represent the party, the organization and what we are supposed to believe - the people.

As a citizen, a "friend" or just any individual, I feel sorry that we lost a capable man that has potential. I really hope and support what he has done thus far as a MP. I hope that he and his family can get through this rough patch together. 

Mr.Smith, we all make mistake, it is about how to make it round. 1st step - knowing you made a mistake.