ASSOC. PROF. WALTER WOON

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Speaker: Order. On 18th March 1993, I informed the House of certain remarks attributed to Mr Walter Woon relating to the proceedings of the Committee of Supply which were published in the Straits Times of 12th March 1993 and which I had considered inaccurate and serving to undermine the dignity of this House.

I also informed the House that, in a letter to me dated 17th March 1993, Mr Woon explained that he had been misconstrued by the Straits Times. He apologised for the wrong impression that might have been given and gave an assurance that he had no intention to trivialise the proceedings in the Committee of Supply.

On 19th March 1993, the Straits Times published a letter by Mr Walter Woon under the heading "Debating time too short to make point effectively" in the Forum page. In his letter, Mr Woon repeats in substance the remarks which I had stated in my previous announcement on 18th March 1993 as inaccurate and serving to undermine the dignity of this House. In repeating his excuse for non-participation in the Committee of Supply, Mr Woon has indirectly trivialised the proceedings of the Committee.

Mr Woon's letter in the Straits Times of 19th March 1993 was the cause of grave concern to me as it appeared to be in conflict with his earlier letter of apology and assurances and shows a lack of contrition on his part. I consider Mr Woon's publication of his letter unnecessary and an act of discourtesy to the Speaker and, in the circumstance, I must record my displeasure with Mr Woon's conduct and attitude.

Assoc. Prof. Walter Woon: Mr Speaker, may I rise on a point of privilege?

Mr Speaker: I am sorry, Mr Woon. It is not possible at this point of time for you to make any statement.