Key Moments from the March 22 Parliamentary Exchange
A tense parliamentary exchange unfolded on March 22 between K. Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Law, and Leong Mun Wai from the Progress Singapore Party (PSP). The discussion, which stemmed from allegations made by Leong in a Facebook post after a Parliamentary sitting on March 20, involved serious issues concerning legal matters and political integrity. The debate revolved around a series of accusations and clarifications, including whether certain individuals had committed criminal acts or should face legal consequences.
The exchange, which was marked by numerous pauses and questions, ended with Leong retracting an allegation linked to a bribery case and issuing an apology to the Speaker. Here’s a breakdown of the heated moments that defined the debate:
Accusations of Lying Under Oath
Shanmugam began by questioning Leong on whether he agreed with the Court of Three Judges and the Disciplinary Tribunal’s findings that Lee Hsien Yang and Lee Suet Fern had lied under oath. This led to a back-and-forth where Leong refused to confirm the criminal nature of the alleged lie, sparking further debate on whether such actions warranted investigation.
Lee Hsien Yang’s Absence
Shanmugam sought clarification on whether Leong believed Lee Hsien Yang would return to Singapore to assist the authorities, which Leong refused to confirm. Shanmugam reiterated that Lee had absconded, based on statements made by Lee himself.
Keppel Offshore & Marine (KOM) Case
The debate intensified when Leong referred to the KOM bribery case, alleging that individuals involved were guilty. Shanmugam challenged these claims, asking Leong to either provide evidence or retract his statement, highlighting that no one had been found guilty in court.
The Relevance of the Parti Liyani Case
Shanmugam responded to Leong’s Facebook post, where Leong had argued that bringing up the Parti Liyani case during the debate was an attempt to confuse the discussion. Shanmugam pressed Leong to explain his use of the phrase “muddy the waters,” which Leong later clarified as referring to introducing new issues that distracted from the main discussion.
Parliamentary Decorum and Apology
Throughout the exchange, Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin intervened to remind Leong of the proper decorum expected in Parliament. Leong’s refusal to withdraw certain statements prompted further calls for an apology. Ultimately, Leong did offer an apology for his dismissive remark about the Speaker’s questions.
The incident highlighted the complex intersection of legal matters, parliamentary procedures, and political debate, with both parties standing firm on their respective positions.
