Vikram Nair on Parliament’s handling of MPs under investigation

There are clear provisions that allow MPs’ rights to be suspended and these are set out in the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act 1962, said MP Vikram Nair. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 19), he pointed out that suspension is a punitive measure and can only be exercised when a Member has engaged in dishonourable conduct, abused privilege or engaged in contempt of Parliament. Mr Nair said he does not think any of these accusations are currently being made in the motion against Minister S Iswaran. If Parliament wishes to exercise punitive powers before the investigation is concluded, that Member should be given a chance to answer those allegations, he added. Mr Nair pointed out that investigations are taking place. “It would be a bit of a circus for a second investigation to take place in Parliament over the exact same set of facts,” he said. He stressed that Mr Iswaran should be accorded the same rights as every other person. Turning to NCMP Hazel Poa’s proposal to amend legislation, Mr Nair pointed out that generally, legislation is meant to address the country at large and is not meant to be targeted at an individual or a particular case. He agrees with Leader of the House Indranee Rajah that there is not enough information to make a decision to suspend Mr Iswaran. He disagrees with Ms Poa’s motion as he believes the powers of suspension should be exercised only in accordance with the requirements of the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act and the Standing Orders.