COMPLAINT OF PRIVILEGE

The Leader of the House (Mr S. Dhanabalan): Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to move under the Standing Order No. 95 (7)(b) that this matter of the Member for Anson's reference to our Judiciary, which he has refused to apologize for, be referred to the Privileges Committee for immediate consideration.

Mr Jeyaretnam: I wish to speak on it.

First of all, Mr Speaker, Sir, now that you are back in the Chair of Parliament -

Mr Dhanabalan: On a point of order, Sir. I think it is quite clear in the Standing Orders that this matter shall stand referred, without any question, to the Privileges Committee.

Mr Jeyaretnam: But I am going to show that the motion is out of order because the motion, as framed, is completely erroneous.

Mr Speaker: It is not out of order because I am satisfied that the matter complained of affects the privileges of Parliament. It is not out of order.

Mr Jeyaretnam: I am going to show that the motion is erroneous. Will you allow me to speak, Mr Speaker?

Mr Speaker: You can speak in the Committee of Privileges.

Mr Jeyaretnam: If you so please. But you can see from the wording of the motion that it is completely misconceived.

Mr Speaker: It has been pointed out to me that it is not a motion but a complaint from the Leader of the House.

Mr Jeyaretnam: But it is a motion moved, that it would be referred to the Privileges Committee.

Mr Dhanabalan: I am moving that the complaint be referred to the Privileges Committee, Mr Speaker.

Mr Jeyaretnam: That is a motion, that the complaint be referred.

Mr Speaker: You can have a motion now.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Yes, it is a motion. What else is it?

Mr Dhanabalan: But it has to be referred to the Committee. Mr Speaker, Sir, I think it is quite clear here in the Standing Orders that when I make a complaint, that matter is referred to the Privileges Committee without any further discussion. And I have done so at the earliest opportunity and that such a motion can be made without notice. I do not see what further discussion there need be, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: Yes. Having made the complaint, it will now go to the Committee of Privileges. I agree with the Leader of the House.

Mr Jeyaretnam: If you rule it, of course, I accept it.

Mr Speaker: It so states in the Standing Orders.

Mr Jeyaretnam: I would like to speak on it, but you have ruled. I accept the ruling.