Indranee Rajah responds to debate on Parliament’s handling of MPs under investigation

A motion moved by NCMP Hazel Poa to suspend Transport Minister S Iswaran from Parliament during an ongoing investigation is “specifically targeted at (him) and not a matter of policy or principle”, said Leader of the House Indranee Rajah. Ms Indranee said Ms Poa’s argument was, “I want to cut your pay, and because I want to cut your pay, I want to suspend you”. That is not the correct approach, she said, because according to Parliamentary rules, suspension is generally a punishment and the cutting of pay is a consequence. So, the House must ask itself, in what scenario does it suspend an MP and has that threshold been met. Ms Indranee said it is important to establish the principles of suspension and not do it “just because we can”. She said Ms Poa did not have an answer for why someone should be suspended over an investigation into corruption, but not other serious offences such as rape or murder. Meanwhile, simply being on leave of absence cannot be a reason for suspension either, she said. On the issue of money, Ms Indranee said this will be looked at when it is clear if charges are being brought against Mr Iswaran and what those charges are - and a clawback will be considered, if justified. In that event, as a matter of party discipline, the Prime Minister will consider the accusations and decide whether to make Mr Iswaran resign and pay back his salary and allowance, without waiting for legal process. Ms Indranee spoke in Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 19).