THE TEH CHEANG WAN AFFAIR

Mr Chiam See Tong: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to seek your leave to make a personal explanation under Standing Order 23.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. Mr Chiam, take your seat, please.

Mr Chiam, you have indicated to the Clerk that you wish to make a personal explanation concerning the Commission of Inquiry on investigations of the late Mr Teh Cheang Wan. I cannot give you leave to make such a statement. It would be highly improper for you to make such a statement in this House and I rule that it is out of order.

Standing Order No. 23 says clearly that "no controversial matter may be brought forward nor may debate arise upon the explanation." From what I see in your statement, what you want to raise is bound to be controversial and will certainly give rise to debate. The Commission of Inquiry was appointed by the President of the Republic and not by Parliament. Its establishment and its powers are derived from an instrument signed by the President on 25th March 1987. It is a quasi-judicial body whose proceedings are not subject to the control of Parliament. The Commission has since announced that it will have its first public sitting on 25th May. Anything you wish to say or any application you wish to make concerning the Commission must therefore be made to the Commission when it meets.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Mr Deputy Speaker, may I have your leave to ---

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, Mr Chiam. I have already ruled. Please sit down.

Mr Chiam See Tong: But you have not even heard my application.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Chiam, this is my second warning. Please sit down.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Right.