SEAT OF NON-CONSTITUENCY MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MR J B JEYARETNAM (Announcement by Mr Speaker)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Speaker: Order. I have to inform the House that the Clerk of Parliament received a letter dated 24th July 2001 from the Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court stating that the Court of Appeal has on 23rd July 2001 dismissed Mr J B Jeyaretnam's appeal against the Order of Bankruptcy made against him on 19th January 2001.

I have sought the advice of the Attorney-General whether, in view of the decision of the Court of Appeal that the appeal be dismissed, the seat of the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament has become vacant with effect from 23rd July 2001 under Article 46(2)(e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore. The Attorney-General has on 24th July 2001 given his advice which reads as follows:

"I advise that the seat of Mr J B Jeyaretnam as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament has become vacant by virtue of Article 46(2)(e) of the Constitution."

I have to therefore inform hon. Members that the seat of Mr J B Jeyaretnam as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament has become vacant with effect from 23rd July 2001.