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Title : Michael Palmer elected as Speaker of Parliament
By :
Date : 10 October 2011 1548 hrs (SST)
URL :
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1158367/1/.html
SINGAPORE: Lawyer and MP for Punggol East, Michael Palmer, was elected as the 8th Speaker of Parliament when Singapore's new session of Parliament opened Monday afternoon.
Leader of the House Dr Ng Eng Hen highlighted the speaker's duties amid Parliament's new environment.
"Let us above all have the courage of our convictions to speak out and do what is the best for our nation. On this raison d'ētre, Mr Speaker, we entrust ourselves to your impartial and guiding hand and the mercy and finality of your judicious guillotine," said Dr Ng.
Dr Ng also praised Mr Palmer's appointment, saying: "Since your election to the House in 2006, you had participated actively in the debates of the House, moving and supporting motions on many issues and presenting the concerns of those who elected you to this House."
He added: "Together with your chairmanship of two Government Parliamentary Committees, you bring much parliamentary and legal experience to your role."
Mr Palmer was previously the chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committees for Home Affairs and Law.
Mr Palmer's nomination was proposed by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education & Manpower, Hawazi Daipi, and seconded by Hri Kumar, MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
Mr Hawazi said: "I have no doubt that you will conduct our parliamentary proceedings fairly, not only to opposition MPs, but also MPs of the People's Action Party."
Mr Low Thia Khiang, MP for Aljunied GRC, also extended his congratulations to Mr Palmer.
"Singaporeans want members of the opposition to speak on their behalf without fear or favour. They want clear and transparent explanations from the ministers at all times. In this respect, I trust that you will allow sufficient opportunity for members of the opposition to express our views and voice concerns and needs of the people," said Mr Low.
Tributes also poured in for former Speaker, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, who was remembered as a strict timekeeper.
Mr Tarmugi, who served 27 years as an MP with nine-and-a-half years of those as Speaker of Parliament, did not seek re-election at the May general election.
Dr Ng said: "He urged members to speak honestly, speak sincerely and without fear."
Mr Inderjit Singh, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, said: "You had spent time serving the community in your constituency, leaving little time for your family. Well, Mr Tarmugi, you have finally left politics and you can have more time for the family."
Parliament will sit again next week to debate the President's Address.
Videos and text of President Tony Tan's speech at the opening of parliament are available here