ROSTRUMS FOR BACKBENCHERS (Business Motion)

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move,

That, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 44(1), the Speaker may require Members seated on the back benches to speak from the rostrum nearest their seat.

Sir, we have feedback from Backbench Members that, unlike those Members in the Frontbench, they have nowhere to place their notes when they speak. So when Parliament House was undergoing renovation, we took advantage of the opportunity and provided the rostrums as can be seen now in the House. Also, speaking from the rostrum will allow for a better presentation of the Members over television.

This motion will allow you, Sir, to rule that, when necessary, Members may be required to speak from the rostrum nearest their seat.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 44(1), the Speaker may require Members seated on the back benches to speak from the rostrum nearest their seat.