Here's the latest guy who's unable to control himself. Thanks to that, PAP's taunt at WP's Yaw Shin Leong has boomeranged into their own face.
Here's the report. Michael Palmer resigns as Speaker, MP
DPM Teo Chee Hean and Mr Michael Palmer at a PAP press conference this afternoon. TODAY
'I had a relationship with PA staff,' he admits
01:55 PM Dec 12, 2012
SINGAPORE - Mr Michael Palmer has resigned as Speaker of Parliament and as a member of the People's Action Party following his admission today of a relationship with a member of the People's Association staff.
"I have resigned to take full responsibility for a grave mistake that I have committed. I had a relationship with a member of the PA staff working in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC," said Mr Palmer today.
"My conduct was improper and it was a serious error of judgment. I have resigned in order to avoid further embarrassment to the PAP and to Parliament."
Mr Palmer won the Punggol East SMC seat in last year's General Election. "While the individual did not work with me firectly, Punggol East used to be part of the Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and continues to work with it," said Mr Palmer at a press conference this afternoon in which he announced his resignation flanked by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.
DPM Teo said the PAP first came to know about the matter on Saturday, Dec 8, and Mr Palmer offered his resignation that night.
"I am sorry we have let the residents of Punggol East down. I assue you we will put things right and continue to look after you," said DPM Teo.
Quoting the Prime Minister, DPM Teo said: "It is necessary that all PAP MPs and grassroots advisors uphold the highest standards of personal conduct, especially in dealings with constituents, grassroots activists and staff, and that the PAP be seen to hold its MPs and advisors to those standards."
Added the Deputy Prime Minister: "Those involved are suffering much hurt from this episode. They need time and space for the healing to take place."
Mr Charles Chong will take on the Speaker's responsibilities for now, while Mr Teo Ser Luck will oversee Mr Palmer's Punggol East constituency. Mr Zainal Sapari will be appointed new Chairman of Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council, DPM Teo said. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will nominate a new Speaker for consideration when Parliament next meets.
So can we expect a by election? Or is PM Lee going to sit on this one?
4 comments:
PAP was initially thinking of getting Ong Ye Kung to run in this SMC, but he has been tainted by the recent SMRT/NTUC debacle. So even the PAP knows that Ong will be a toxic candidate for a while. They will have to find someone else for this SMC.
Palmer won Punggol East 54% to Worker's Party's 41% in a three-way fight in 2011. If it's between the PAP and WP in the by-election, WP has a good chance of winning. It'll be another referendum on the PAP's ruling record, which is rather dismal in recent months. Lee Hsien Loong will probably try to buy more time before calling for this by-election, hoping that the public would have forgotten the transport/housing/labour problems by then.
"relationship with a member of the PA staff" - jeez...call a spade a spade lah - "affair" would be a more succinct and appropriate word.
Otherwise,all our relationships with parents, siblings and friends will be called into question!
PM Lee said during WP Yaw Shin Leong saga: "The WP has let down the voters of Hougang."
Can't wait to find out what PM's has to say about Michael Palmer.
Let me guess... "an honest p e n i s mistake, lets move on?"
There will not be a by-election if it's going to be a straight fight between WP and PAP. The PM wants to deny WP an election victory but if at least one other party like RP or SDP wants to join in to spoil the fight and hand victory to the PAP on a platter...
Saycheese
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