IT was sad to read about the rantings of former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek over his resignation following the sex DVD episode. He is showing all the signs and symptoms of the well known “post-ministerial syndrome”.

He is hurt and is sending unhealthy vibes to the public. He blamed his downfall on “hard work” to his commitment as health minister. And he went on to advise others not to work so hard if they want to stay put in their posts.

To top it all, he says he does not “even know how to book a hotel room” implying that all this while someone else was doing the needful for him.

He confessed to the DVD under the illusion that others (which include the cabinet) would forgive him and he could keep his ministerial post. But unfortunately this was not so.

Feeling betrayed, he hit back, saying that others were adopting a “holier than thou” attitude. He added that “sometimes honesty is not always the best policy”.

The “holier than thou” comment is misplaced. Adultery and cheating on your wife are personal matters no doubt but unfortunately it has an impact on society.

Such conduct is deemed to be incompatible with people in high places. It has nothing to do with the “holier than thou” stance.

Dr Chua must realise that he cannot be retained in the cabinet as this would create an unhealthy precedent.

It is definitely a mean thing to invade someone’s privacy and Dr Chua has legal recourse for damages.

He had confessed his indiscretion, apologised to all and resigned from all posts. He should consider the matter closed and move on instead of indulging in self-damaging small talk.

Source: NST – January 8, 2008