This chance encounter with Mr Chiam See Tong, Singapore’s longest serving opposition Member of Parliament, was at a friend’s wedding dinner.
It was really the alignment of stars that evening.
I was supposed to leave after dessert was served, but stayed a little longer cos I decided to share cab home with my friends who attended as well.
Then, we were supposed to wait for two of them at our table before leaving the ballroom together, but the rest of us decided to head out first.
Instead of finding another place to sit, we decided to browse through the wedding album, which was positioned near the door where guests were exiting.
I had only looked up for a brief moment when I saw him. Did a double take, and asked the bride’s sister if he is Mr Chiam. She said it is.
I don’t know what gave me the courage, but I walked up and said, “Hello, Mr Chiam. It’s so nice to meet you. May I take a photo with you?”
He shook my hand, looked me in the eyes, and replied, “It will be my pleasure.”
Such simple gestures and words, but shows what a gentleman he is.
And, I’m going to teach Blake and Nakayla that. I’m going to teach them how to reply a ‘yes’ or ‘sure’ to questions like these with ‘It will be my pleasure’.
