MR J.B. JEYARETNAM (Former Member for Anson)

Dr Lee Siew-Choh asked the Prime Minister why has the Government so far refused to agree to be bound by the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the action brought by the former Member of Parliament for Anson for a declaration that he never ceased to be a member of the Sixth Parliament until its dissolution.

The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Dr Lee Boon Yang) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question.

Sir, there is no reason why this appeal must go to the Privy Council. Mr Jeyaretnam seeks a declaration which will over-rule his criminal convictions. This is not possible under our law. Even the Privy Council had admitted in their judgment that this was the law and hence advised him to apply for a pardon.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh (Non-Constituency Member): Sir, is the Senior Minister of State aware that a High Court Judge has commented rather harshly on the wavering stand adopted by the Singapore Government? First of all, not claiming diplomatic immunity for the High Commissioner and then, according to the Judge, blowing hot and cold, claiming diplomatic immunity for the High Commissioner. This, Sir, would certainly give Singapore a bad name.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Sir, I fail to see the substance of the question. What has the point about diplomatic immunity got to do with the question here?

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: The point, Sir, is that all these are connected and I have brought it up to find out what the Minister has to say.

Mr Speaker: So what is your supplementary question, Dr Lee?

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: The question is the original one, of course.

Mr Speaker: That has already been answered.