RELEASE OF FRANCIS SEOW

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the American Government had requested the Singapore Government to release Francis Seow.

Prof. Jayakumar: Sir, the United States Government did not request the Singapore Government to release Francis Seow. The question is absurd.

[Questions Nos. 7 and 8 taken. Later -]

Mr Chiam See Tong: Mr Speaker, Sir, a point of order. The Minister for Home Affairs has remarked that my last question was an absurd question. I have looked up the rules, Sir, and it does not in any way breach the rules. That is the first thing. Secondly, if it were an absurd question, the Clerk would not have tabled it. So it is an insult on the Clerk to say that he has tabled an absurd question. So in the circumstances, Sir, I think it is proper for the Minister to withdraw what he has said.

Mr Speaker: As far as I am concerned, it is not unparliamentary to use the word "absurd".

Mr Chiam See Tong: No, it is not. But in what context? He is saying that my question is absurd. That is the point.

An hon. Member: Do you think his answer was absurd too?

Mr Chiam See Tong: Yes, I can say his answer is absurd. But I do not think it is proper to say that any question tabled for the Minister to answer is an absurd question.

Mr Speaker: As long as it is not unparliamentary, the Minister can say what he wants to say.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Another point is that I did not quote the Prime Minister in my Question No. 2. They are words that I have used myself.