Special report over Raeesah Khan saga was released to keep Parliament informed
SINGAPORE – The Committee of Privileges decided to present its special report in its investigations of the complaint against former Workers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan on Friday (Dec 3) based on the oral evidence it heard on Thursday and Friday, said the Office of the Clerk of Parliament on Monday (Dec 6).
Responding to queries over its decision to release the special report before it called WP leaders for their testimonies, the committee said it will keep Parliament informed of progress of its investigations “in a timely manner when appropriate” and present its final report in due course. It did not elaborate further.
The Clerk of Parliament cited Standing Order 105 (2), which states that the Committee may, at any time during its proceedings, make a special report to Parliament on any matter which it may think fit to bring to the notice of Parliament,
It added that special reports had been issued in the past.
The Committee of Privileges is looking into a complaint against Ms Khan, who had admitted to lying in Parliament and resigned last Tuesday from the party and her position as Sengkang GRC MP.
The Straits Times had asked Parliament why it decided to release the special report and for details on further witnesses and hearings, among other questions.
The Clerk of Parliament said that meetings of select committees are held in private unless resolved otherwise, and details regarding meetings or hearings as well as potential witnesses “will therefore remain fluid”.
It added that the committee’s mandate is to thoroughly look into any matter pertaining to the complaint, and will be reviewing the evidence and submissions put before it on an ongoing basis.
The Clerk of Parliament also said that the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act regulates the conduct of MPs and other persons in connection with its proceedings, and can summon any person to appear before the Committee to give evidence at any time before the conclusion of its report.
The committee will continue its investigations into the complaint and will hear further evidence if it sees fit, it added.
Friday’s report had said the committee was adjourned to Monday.
The report contained several revelations, such as Ms Khan’s statement that WP chief and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, WP chairman Sylvia Lim and WP vice-chairman Faisal Manap had told her to stick to the lie she had told in Parliament on Aug 3.
This contrasted with the WP’s press conference on Thursday, when Mr Singh said he had directed Ms Khan to take responsibility and admit to her lie in Parliament.
On Sunday, WP said that since the work of Parliament’s Committee of Privileges is still in progress, it is prudent for the Workers’ Party to respond to the allegations against its leaders at an appropriate forum and juncture.
It also reiterated that party chief and Leader of the Opposition, Mr Pritam Singh, had made it clear at the party’s press conference on Dec 2 that he is prepared to give evidence before the committee.
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