Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act 1962

6.18 pm

Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member): Mr Speaker, I beg to move*, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill intituled "An Act to amend the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act 1962."

*The Motion also stood in the name of Mr Leong Mun Wai.

We have introduced this Bill to give Parliament the flexibility to authorise the back payment of the allowance of a Member of Parliament (MP) who has been suspended from the service of Parliament by resolution.

Without this amendment to allow back payment, we would be unable to suspend any MP until the full process of the law has been completed. It would be unfair if MPs eventually found innocent were to be penalised. This process can take a long time.

If the MP were eventually found guilty, it would have been a waste of taxpayers' money and a drain on our resources. Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

Mr Speaker: The question is, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill intituled 'An Act to amend the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act 1962'." As many as are of that opinion say "Aye".

Some hon Members say "Aye".

Mr Speaker: To the contrary say "No".

Hon Members say "No".

Mr Speaker: I think the “Noes” have it.

Question negatived.

Mr Speaker: Leader.