UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE (Complaint by Member for Bukit Gombak) (Announcement by Mr Speaker)

Mr Speaker: Order. I have another announcement to make to the House, that is, the complaint by Mr Ling How Doong against Mr Chiam See Tong for uttering unparliamentary language.

On 14th November 1995, Mr Ling wrote to me complaining that Mr Chiam had, during the sitting on 3rd November 1995, uttered certain unparliamentary words. Mr Ling's complaint (Cols. 411 - 412) has been circulated to Members. Mr Ling's complaint (Cols. 411 - 412)

On the same date, I wrote to Mr Ling asking him whether he will be able to substantiate his complaint.

On 17th November 1995, Mr Ling replied by stating that the words complained of were uttered right in his face. He also indicated that Mr Cheo Chai Chen, Member for Nee Soon Central, who was seated next to Mr Chiam, can verify this fact.

On 28th November 1995, I wrote to Mr Chiam for an explanation on Mr Ling's complaint. Mr Chiam responded on 30th November 1995 denying that he had uttered any of those words during the sitting on 3rd November 1995.

I did not hear the words contained in the complaint nor were the words recorded in the Official Report. I do not propose to pursue this complaint any further.

The letters mentioned by me in my announcements will appear in the Official Report of Parliament.