In a sign of his developing maturity as a statesman, Dr Chee Soon Juan urged supporters not to whip up a storm over disgraced former Bukit Batok MP and PAP member, David Ong.
The amorous botak is widely believed to have slept with a grassroot leader on the GE2015 campaign trail, though he has never publicly admitted to the extra-marital affair.
Speaking at a rally last night, Dr Chee said:
“You never kick a man when he’s down, there’s no honour in that. For all I know, David Ong is a good guy, but sometimes good guys make bad mistakes. Who hasn’t?”
Dr Chee said he has refused to take advantage of the botak’s “personal indiscretions” in spite that being the PAP’s “weakest point” in the Bukit Batok by-election.
“Let’s leave Mr Ong alone for him to find his life again and let his family heal again.”
It was the SDP’s candidate for Bukit Batok during GE2015, Sadasivam Veriyah, who played hangman.
“Most of you would have received this pamphlet distributed by David Ong. Please refer to the last page where he said it’s a privilege to serve you. Where is he now? “You believed in his promises, you believed what he said, 73 per cent voted for him but, within six months, he has vanished from the political scene!”
The character attacks came fast and quick at the PAP’s rally last night.
Speaking for candidate Murali Pillai, Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Grace Fu, sai:
“He (Dr Chee) wants to be a full-time MP. As far as I know he’s not held a full-time job for a long time…The work experience is essential. It’ll be interesting to see if there is a referral letter from Chiam See Tong.”
She was referring to Dr Chee’s sacking from his former job as a lecturer, and the bad blood between him and SPP chief Chiam See Tong.
Speaker of Parliament, Mdm Halimah Yacob, also refused to let bygones be bygones.
She said:
“I never forget how Chee shouted at then PM Goh Chok Tong. It is unbecoming especially as Asians we need to respect our elders.”
