"Mr Lee & new Chief Justice's appointment He protests against Speaker's ruling"

Reference in the article is made to two questions disallowed by me as being inadmissible, one on the appointment of the Chief Justice for Singapore and the other on the proposal to abolish Teochew, Hainanese, Khek and Foochow radio programmes.

The article, inter alia, states:

'Mr Lee said that it had been the usual practice for the Speaker to give reasons whenever he ruled questions as "inadmissible".

"In this case, no reason had been given", he added.'

At the outset it is my duty to point out that action of the nature reported to have been taken by the Honourable Member in protesting against the ruling of the Speaker through the Press is not only discourteous but also improper, the more so in the light of the implication of a sinister motive contained in the passage quoted by me.

I am glad to be able to say, however, that the Honourable Member has assured me that he did not intend to be discourteous or improper. He further assures me that he told the reporter concerned that he accepted my rulings but was disappointed that the questions could not be tabled. Had he desired to protest he would have protested, as he is entitled to do, to me direct and not through the medium of the Press. He would then, of course, have been informed of the reasons for my rulings.

Honourable Members are, I am sure, aware that if they are dissatisfied with the rulings of the Speaker, the proper course would be to raise the matter with the Speaker direct in an interview or by letter, and if thereafter they are still dissatisfied, their remedy is by way of substantive motions for review.

I may add that although the relevant Standing Order in regard to questions does not provide that reasons should be given for any ruling, I have for the convenience of Members directed the Clerk to revive the practice of acquainting Honourable Members with the reasons for any adverse ruling to enable them all the better to decide whether they will or will not raise the matter with the Speaker.