Hazel Poa on suspension of MP

Minister S Iswaran is under investigation for corruption, he was placed under arrest and put on leave of absence by the Prime Minister. These three factors together make a strong case for his suspension from Parliament, said NCMP Hazel Poa in Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 19). She sought leave to table a private Member’s motion to create the legal mechanisms to backpay the allowance of MPs if they are suspended. Ms Poa said the Progress Singapore Party believes that the suspension, together with the provision to backpay Mr Iswaran should he be cleared of all wrongdoing, is indeed dealing with the matter “firmly and fairly”. She said the motion moved by the Leader of the House does not achieve this. It is in fact calling for a maintenance of the status quo, she added. Ms Poa pointed out that if Mr Iswaran is innocent, there is no difference in outcome between suspending and not suspending him. However, if he is found guilty, there is a distinct difference, she said. If he is suspended from Parliament, he loses the allowance while taxpayers save on tax revenue. This clearly shows that suspending leads to a more desirable outcome financially, she said. Mr Poa pointed out that Mr Iswaran will draw a reduced pay but continues to draw his full MP allowance. She said it is difficult to accept that taxpayers’ money is being used in this way. “This motion is therefore about the prudent use of taxpayers’ money, not a presumption of guilt,” she said.