Election of Deputy Speakers
Speakers
Summary
This motion concerns the election of Mr Charles Chong and Mr Lim Biow Chuan as Deputy Speakers for the Thirteenth Parliament session. Mr Seah Kian Peng proposed both members, noting Mr Charles Chong’s extensive experience since 1988 and Mr Lim Biow Chuan’s active committee and legal contributions. Senior Minister of State for Finance and Law Ms Indranee Rajah supported the proposal, affirming the candidates' character and expertise for the roles. The nominations highlighted the candidates' suitability to discharge their duties and support the Speaker throughout the parliamentary proceedings. As there were no further proposals, Mdm Speaker declared Mr Charles Chong and Mr Lim Biow Chuan duly elected as Deputy Speakers.
Transcript
Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade): Mdm Speaker, I propose that the hon Mr Charles Chong and Mr Lim Biow Chuan be elected as Deputy Speakers of this Parliament.
Mr Charles Chong has been a Member of Parliament since 1988. I think this makes him the longest serving and the most experienced backbencher. He has sat on Select Committees and has led various Government Parliamentary Committees. He also participated actively in the work of various parliamentary conferences. He was also the Deputy Speaker in the Twelfth Parliament session, having been elected and appointed to the position in 2011. I had the privilege of working with and being seated next to Mr Charles Chong during the last Parliament session.
As for Mr Lim Biow Chuan, he was, like me, elected to Parliament in 2006. A lawyer by profession, Mr Lim has contributed actively to parliamentary work. He was a member on the Standing Select Committee and was Singapore's regional representative in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Exco. He has participated in the work of the various parliamentary committees and parliamentary friendship and regional groups.
With their expertise, experience and character, I am confident that both Mr Charles Chong and Mr Lim Biow Chuan will make good deputies in discharging their duties and supporting Mdm Speaker in the course of this Thirteenth Parliament session.
The Senior Minister of State for Finance and Law (Ms Indranee Rajah): Mdm Speaker, I support the proposal.
Mdm Speaker: There being no other proposal, I declare Mr Charles Chong and Mr Lim Biow Chuan to have been duly elected as Deputy Speakers of this Parliament. [Applause.]