Statement by Leader of the House

Mr Speaker: Leader.

1.30 pm

The Leader of the House (Ms Indranee Rajah): Mr Speaker, I wish to raise a point of order, about certain events that took place during the last session of Parliament and also, with Speaker's permission, to issue a reminder on how Members of Parliament (MPs) should conduct themselves both in and out of Parliament.

On 20 March, Mr Leong Mun Wai made several statements both in and out of the Chamber, which were wrong and not proper, for the reasons explained by the Minister for Home Affairs during a Ministerial Statement on 22 March.

During the clarifications on the Ministerial Statement, Mr Leong had also addressed yourself, Mr Speaker, in a manner that was disrespectful and disregarded the authority of the Chair, which drew a caution from me on the need to maintain proper demeanour in Parliament.

Mr Speaker, the Standing Orders set out processes for dealing with Members who breach parliamentary privilege or disregard the authority of the Chair, and these could have been invoked.

However, Mr Leong apologised to you, Mr Speaker, in the Chamber very shortly thereafter. Also, subsequent to that Sitting, Mr Leong withdrew various statements in his Facebook post, clarified that he had not intended to cast aspersions on the Ministers and admitted that he was wrong to make the suggestions in his statement in Parliament as he did.

In light of this, it does not appear that there is a need to take further action on this matter. And I seek Mr Speaker's concurrence on this, having regard in particular to the fact that the issue of disregarding the authority of the Chair is a matter for Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: I concur. Please proceed.

Ms Indranee Rajah: Thank you, Mr Speaker. This point of order could have been avoided, if the rules of Parliamentary conduct had been observed to begin with.

As we start this Second Session of Parliament, this would be an opportune time to remind Members of their responsibilities in this regard. As such, Sir, with your permission, may I make some short remarks to direct Members' attention to the rules governing conduct, both within and outside of Parliament, which Members and others are required to observe?

Mr Speaker: Please proceed.

Ms Indranee Rajah: These rules are set out primarily in the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act of 1962, or PPIPA, as well as the Standing Orders (SOs) of Parliament. The practice of Parliament, including past reports of the Committee of Privileges, are also relevant.

I have prepared a short note highlighting some of the more pertinent rules, having regard to the recent incidents involving Mr Leong. Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to request the Clerks to distribute copies of this note to all Members?

Mr Speaker: Please distribute. I hope that everyone reads it carefully. [Please refer to Annex 1.]

Ms Indranee Rajah: Members can also access the handout through the SG Parl MP mobile app.

The relevant rules include the need: to respect the authority of the Chair, to refrain from making allegations which cannot be substantiated and to refrain from making statements outside Parliament which reflect on the character of the Speaker or any Member in their Parliamentary duties or roles, which falsely or scandalously defames the proceedings or the character of Parliament, or which contain false reports of Parliamentary proceedings.

This note is not exhaustive. I urge Members to familiarise themselves with all the provisions of the PPIPA and the SOs.

I hope that by reading, understanding and observing these rules, we can avoid a repeat of the incidents which occurred in the last session.

Mr Speaker, let me conclude by saying that none of these rules inhibit robust debate. Robust debate and a contest of ideas are expected. The rules are there to ensure the focus remains on making points of substance. Making false or unsubstantiated statements, or casting baseless aspersions, only serve to erode trust and undermine our democracy. Members should pay attention to the responses given and engage on the points that are made. When we do so, our people will gain a deeper understanding of the issues and trade-offs at play. It will also strengthen trust in our Parliament. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

1.35 pm

Mr Speaker: I would like to thank Leader for her views. I agree with what has been shared. I have also noted Mr Leong Mun Wai's apology at that Sitting for his discourteous remark on 22 March 2023.

I would like to make some quick observations.

As I stated in my opening address as Speaker six years ago, I am committed to being inclusive and expansive in providing the space for debate for all Members. But help me to help you to do so by keeping to our rules and procedures.

The Chair is responsible for all 103 Members in this Chambers – everyone. While I appreciate that individuals are passionate about their causes and their views, I hope that Members show respect to the Chair and importantly, to your fellow Members, and do not act as if your views are all that matter. Because if everyone decides to insist on their own way, this will become a chaotic space like we see elsewhere. You have seen Speakers elsewhere shout and use the full range of their powers to discipline unruly members. I think we do not need to see this happening here; and thankfully, we are nowhere near there. Long may this remain so.

While I have been permissive at times to facilitate the flow of debate, especially when it remains even-tempered and constructive, but, as a rule, Members should address all remarks and requests to and through the Chair. Members should avoid addressing each other or to members of the public directly. While it may not make for a good show or theatre, this practice helps us all to remain cool, good-tempered and moderate during a debate. So, let us focus on the substance.

We are all starting a new session and there is really a full agenda before the House. So, it is a useful opportunity for us to take stock of how we do business here. I expect Members to continue debating all issues robustly, to scrutinise and question policies and programmes thoroughly. I believe that we can do so while at the same time observing these fairly simple and reasonable rules. And importantly, to do so with decorum, courtesy and respect to each other here in this House.

Order. Introduction to Government Bills.