All in the Name of Lust by Patricia Ng

Author:Patricia Ng
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789814634724
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International

THE WOMAN

Later that evening, the name of the woman at the centre of the affair was finally revealed — the PAP confirmed that Laura Ong Hui Hoon, a constituency director at the Pasir Ris West Constituency Office, had tendered her resignation on 10 December. She cited “family commitments” as the reason. The PAP explained its position on the decision. They felt that the whole matter was in the media spotlight and given its high profile, her identity would have come to light eventually. They thought it was better to be upfront with the information as some interns from a local newspaper were discovered lurking around the constituency office, in an area they had no authority to be in. They also felt that their staff working at the various constituency offices needed to hear this from them directly, to preserve a sense of unity in the organisation. With more than two thousand in their employ, it would not be possible to keep this information private.

When Ong’s colleagues were told of her resignation, they expressed surprise as they were under the impression that she was on leave and would be back to work soon. When asked, some of the adjectives used to describe her were “bubbly”, “attractive” and “soft-spoken”. Some also said that she “kept to herself”.

By this time, tongues were wagging. To begin with, few could believe that such an honourable person like Palmer would succumb to the pleasures of the flesh. He, who had once said upon donning the PAP’s uniform for the first time, that he would not change the party’s trademark attire as it stood for “integrity and incorruptibility”. He added that “there are certain values, standards and traditions associated with it. There are certain boundaries you don’t cross.” The irony of these words was not lost on many as the man was now humbled before the nation.

Everyone was also curious about the woman who had been able to turn his head. Little could be discovered about Ong except what was available publicly. Ong was 33 years old, about 11 years Palmer’s junior. She was enthusiastic about doing something for the community and had worked her way up the ranks. Known to be a “capable organiser”, she was made constituency director of the Punggol South ward in 2006. Just after the 2011 General Elections, she was transferred to the Pasir Ris West ward.

In 2006, Ong married Chen Zhi Guang, a businessman and director in various companies, one of which dealt with sporting goods. They were said to have met at a rollerblading school run by Chen. Soon after, they drifted apart and separated in 2008. This was before she started seeing Palmer. When contacted, Chen would not say anything except that Ong was “a good wife” and that he hoped the media would allow them their privacy.

At the time when the news broke, Ong was said to be staying with her mother and sister, Cindy, in their flat in eastern Singapore. Like her sister, Cindy Ong was also passionate about grassroots work and had joined the People’s Association.

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