ON THE RECORD WITH MICHAEL PALMER

Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) chairperson Michael Palmer tells all about his role in the committee, his views on National Service and what family means to him.

Describing Michael Palmer as a busy man would be an understatement. Besides being a partner in one of Singapore's top law firms, Harry Elias Partnership, he is an MP for the Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

Said the 41-year-old: "Before becoming an MP in 2006, I was already helping in the Eurasian Association and in my St Andrew's Alumni, but I felt I had reached a stage in my life where I could give back to the community."

Elected the chairperson for the GPC-DFA last year, Mr Palmer likens his role to that of a liaison officer who communicates the latest developments within the defence and foreign affairs ministries to other ministries, foreign delegates and the public. He also sees the GPC as a sounding board for legislation and policy with its members providing frank feedback to the ministries.

On being an MP

I still have difficulty getting used to the 'Guest-of-Honour syndrome', where people usher you to and from your car, and follow you around the neighbourhood. So I try to cut down the number of people following me on block visits because it can be very daunting for the residents.

Once, a resident asked in jest if I could do something about the sun shining into her apartment. So in my tongue-in-cheek reply, I said 'Yes, don't worry, we'll move it for you. You just have to wait a few months and the sun will shift.'

On being in the GPC-DFA

I've always had an interest in defence and foreign affairs, and given that my anchor minister in the GRC (Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean) is also the Minister for Defence, I thought it would be interesting to be in this GPC.

I've gone on many trips organised by MINDEF (the Ministry of Defence) where I got to view training in the units, talk to the men and find out how they feel about certain issues. Exercise Wallaby 2006 in Australia was probably my most exciting trip. We got to fly over the area and see the whole operation, which was something not many people get to see in their lives.

I think our rapport with MINDEF is good, but I'm hoping to further improve the communication and rapport with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Understandably, the foreign affairs personnel are not in the country most of the time.

On the MINDEF side, it is my goal that the GPC develops closer ties with MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) so that we can be briefed more regularly on upcoming initiatives and provide our feedback on them. I would also like to see GPC members have a better understanding of MINDEF's and the SAF's policies and initiatives so that we can help to promote them to Singaporeans.

I find it very heartening how MINDEF has opened up, from the time when I was in the Army compared to what we have now. It's much more open now; there's more public knowledge about what goes on in the SAF. People see a lot more communication, which is good.

On life and family

When I went into NS, I decided to do the best I could, otherwise I would waste two and a half years of my life. I'll never forget this - halfway through BMT, the platoon commander asked: 'How many of you want to go to OCS (Officer Cadet School)?', and I was the only guy who put up my hand!

The whole platoon of 40 looked at me like I was mad! (Mr Palmer went on to become an instructor at OCS.)

My son's turning eight this year. When the time comes for him to enlist, my advice to him would be to make the best of whatever time he has in NS. My dad, who passed away last year, always encouraged me to work hard, to do my best and to dress properly. He used to get on my case about my dressing, which is the worst thing when you're a teenager and you just want to go out in jeans and T-shirts.

He also drummed home lessons like having proper table manners, which irritated me to no end when I was a kid, but all of which I now appreciate. Now I'm irritating my son to no end about many of the same things. One day, I hope he'll appreciate it too.

My boss, Mr Harry Elias, has also been a big influence in my life. He taught me integrity and never to be late. His principle was: 'If you re going to be late, don t come at all.' He's given me a lot of guidance on being a lawyer and a professional, and those lessons are priceless.

I've realised that if I don t carve out family time, I will never have it. So I make a concerted effort to do so. For example, because sometimes I don't get to see my son for days, which makes me miss him a lot, I make it a point to get up and drive him to school every morning, so I get that half an hour with him.