Mr. Speaker

¶ 01 Hon. Members, Hon. Lady Members, I offer my heartfelt thanks to all of you for electing me today to the Office of Speaker of this august Parliament and for extending your congratulations.

¶ 02 It is well known to all of us that the Legislature of our country has now been entrusted more than ever with the crucial and weighty responsibility of fulfilling the aspirations and expectations of our people.

¶ 03 In doing so, the provisions of the Constitution, the provisions of the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Rulings and decisions made by former Speakers, as well as the long-standing traditions and conventions of Parliament, guide us. In serving the common good by fulfilling this wide range of entrusted responsibilities, the Speaker is required to perform an independent and impartial, as well as challenging, role, which I fully understand.

¶ 04 To accomplish these vital legislative tasks, the cooperation of all Members of this august House, irrespective of Government or Opposition, is essential. I especially expect your mutual understanding and cooperation in order to realize the public aspirations.

¶ 05 I wish to give one pledge to the Hon. Gentlemen and Hon. Ladies who represent this august Assembly. So long as I hold this high Office, I will, to the utmost of my strength, protect the rights of all of you as people’s representatives.

¶ 06 Once again thanking the whole House, I seek your cooperation to make this Tenth Parliament a model Parliament that fulfils the nation’s welfare and public aspirations, devoid of any divisions including those of race or religion.

¶ 07 Next, there is an announcement. I will present it.

¶ 08 On behalf of the Members of Parliament, I wish to inform this House that the Advisory Session scheduled by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) regarding the National Action Plan (NAP) Against Corruption for the period 2025-2029, which was to be held today, 17 December 2024, from 11.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. in Committee Room No. 018 of Parliament, has been cancelled at the request of the Commission.