Leong Mun Wai on motion calling for impartial Speaker and Parliament as a fair arena

The Speaker of Parliament is responsible for presiding over Parliamentary sittings and enforcing the rules of debate to ensure that Parliamentary business is conducted in an orderly manner. In carrying out these important duties, the Speaker must remain impartial to all MPs, regardless of their political affiliations, said NCMP Leong Mun Wai. “He must be seen as a fair referee, just like a judge,” he said in Parliament on Wednesday (Aug 2) in a motion calling for the Speaker of Parliament to be independent and impartial and for Parliament to be a fair arena for all. Mr Leong said it is “problematic” for the Speaker to uphold his impartiality and independence while simultaneously being at the power centre of the ruling party and being privy to the ruling party's political strategy alongside MPs. He expressed hope that the Speaker will be able to restore public confidence in the impartiality and independence of Parliament. Mr Leong took aim at former Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, and was reminded by Speaker Seah Kian Peng to confine his observations to the subject of the motion to be discussed. Mr Seah had stated at the start that the subject matter of the motion is the general desirability for an independent and impartial Speaker and for Parliament to be a fair arena, and it is not a debate on the conduct of Mr Tan.