The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna - Leader of Independent Group 17

¶ 01 Good morning, Hon. Speaker!

¶ 02 I, Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna, Member of Parliament and Leader of Independent Group 17, seek your approval to raise a matter of Privilege under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act regarding a serious misrepresentation of my speech made in this august Chamber.

¶ 03 During a recent Sitting, while I was raising a point of order, the Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar interrupted and stated before the House that in my speech, I had referred to another Hon. Member, the Hon. Karunanathan Ilankumaran of the NPP, and called him “semmary”. I categorically deny that allegation and firmly declare that at no point in any of my speeches have I ever mentioned the Hon. Ilankumaran’s name or used such a term towards him.

¶ 04 This act constitutes a clear breach of Parliamentary Privileges under Sections 22(1) and 22(2) and also under Section 5 of Part A of the Schedule of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, which states:

¶ 05 “Willfully publishing any false or perverted report of any debate or proceedings of Parliament or committee or willfully misrepresenting any speech made by a member in Parliament or in committee.”

¶ 06 By willfully misrepresenting my speech before this House, Hon. Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar has violated the Privileges of Parliament and brought disrepute to its proceedings.

¶ 07 Therefore, I respectfully request your kind approval to raise this matter as a Privilege Motion for the consideration of this august House.

¶ 08 Thank you.