Makansutra founder and Singapore food guru has weighed in on the scandal surrounding national swimmer Joseph Schooling, who was caught taking cannabis overseas earlier this year.
In a Sept 3 (Saturday) Facebook post, Mr Seetoh wrote, “Criticize Schooling only if you are Perfect n never made mistakes or slip ups in your life. Otherwise……”
“If this becomes n unforgiving society..what would u really cherish ahead..even fr yr kids, who’s brought up by social media?,” he added in a comment.
The Olympic medallist said he had taken cannabis in May when he was on short-term disruption from full-time National Service (NS) to train and participate in the Southeast Asian Games.
Amanda Lim, his fellow national swimmer, was also found to have consumed a controlled drug. She has since been issued a stern warning by CNB under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Schooling was issued a formal letter of warning by the Ministry of Defence “informing him of the serious consequences of drug abuse meted out to all SAF personnel, who may be sentenced up to nine months detention in the SAF Detention Barracks.”
In an apology online, Schooling called it a “moment of weakness after going through a very tough period.”
Mr Calvin Schooling, 73, the swimmer’s father, died last November at the Singapore General Hospital with his family by his side. Mr Schooling had been battling liver cancer prior to his demise.
Mr Seetoh appears to share the opinion held by many Singaporeans that the athlete should not be judged overly harshly.
Many Singaporeans responding online to the news of the swimmer’s cannabis use have been inclined to ask that he be given a break and a second chance, including Workers’ Party Member of Parliament Jamus Lim.
“Everyone makes mistakes. I have too, and will likely do so in the future,” wrote Assoc Prof Lim in a much shared Facebook post, adding “When I’ve erred in the past, I have benefited from others’ forgiveness, and an ability to make up for my wrongdoing. If we want to live in a compassionate society, I think it begins with exercising less judgment, and more empathy.”
Many commenters on Mr Seetoh’s post wrote that they agreed with the food guru.
/TISG
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