Parliamentary business

The debate focused on the implications of a court judgment involving Pritam Singh, with multiple Members of Parliament discussing his suitability as Leader of the Opposition. Pritam Singh asserted that he accepts the court's authority but disagrees with its findings, maintaining his commitment to his duties. Indranee Rajah emphasized that his conviction raises questions about his integrity and appropriateness for leadership. Sylvia Lim pointed out inconsistencies in the treatment of different cases within the Workers' Party, while multiple MPs called for the importance of upholding honesty and integrity in Parliament, leading to a resolution affirming these principles and noting Singh's conduct as unbecoming of his position. The dissent of several WP MPs was recorded during the vote on the resolution.

Mr. Zaqy Mohamad proposed a resolution to exempt the proceedings scheduled for the day from the provisions of Standing Order No. 2. The motion indicates a procedural adjustment for the sitting.

Indranee Rajah initiated a motion expressing regret over Pritam Singh's conduct and questioning his suitability as Leader of the Opposition, following his conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee and guiding another MP to maintain falsehoods. Singh's actions and subsequent court rulings have raised concerns about dishonesty and integrity within the parliamentary system, prompting the need for accountability. MPs debated the implications for public trust in Parliament, emphasizing that honesty and integrity are non-negotiable standards required of all members, especially those in leadership positions. The motion aims to reaffirm these values and highlight the responsibilities of elected officials in maintaining public confidence in the political system.

The Deputy Leader of the House sought permission to exempt the time limit on Minister Indranee's speeches for a specific motion discussion. The Speaker granted consent, and hon Members present indicated their assent to move the exemption. The motion to remove the time limit for Minister Indranee's speech was resolved unanimously.

The Speaker reminded Members to adhere to Standing Order No 50(1) by focusing only on the conduct of Mr Pritam Singh and his suitability as Leader of the Opposition during the debate. Members are prohibited from introducing unrelated topics or discussing the conduct of other Members without a separate Motion. The purpose of the Motion is not to re-litigate the case or question the Court's findings, and the Speaker emphasized the importance of abiding by the rules of conduct. Members are urged to exercise caution in their remarks and be prepared to support any factual claims made.

The Deputy Leader of the House, Mr. Zaqy Mohamad, moved to adjourn the debate. The motion to adjourn was resolved in agreement. The Speaker confirmed that the debate would resume the following day.

The Speaker extended the time of the sitting beyond the scheduled interruption for an additional period of up to 30 minutes, as allowed by Standing Order 2, section 5(d).

• The Deputy Leader of the House proposed to exempt the time limit for Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How's speech.
• The Speaker granted consent for the proposal.
• Members present indicated their assent to remove the time limit for the speech.
• The motion to exempt the time limit was resolved and agreed upon.

• The debate focused on a resolution to exempt the proceedings of the day's business from the provisions of Standing Order No 2.
• Mr. Zaqy Mohamad proposed the resolution for consideration.
• The motion was presented as part of the parliamentary procedures.

• Several Members of Parliament took the Oath of Allegiance or made an Affirmation of Allegiance during the session.
• The members who took the oath included Mr. Azhar Bin Othman, Assoc Prof Goh Toh Chuan, Dr. Haresh s/o Singaraju, and others.
• The Speaker welcomed the Nominated Members and expressed anticipation for their contributions to the parliamentary proceedings.

• Nine individuals have been nominated as Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) by the Special Select Committee for appointment by the President.
• The appointed NMPs are Mr Azhar Bin Othman, Assoc Prof Goh Toh Chuan, Dr Haresh s/o Singaraju, Assoc Prof Terence Ho, Ms Kuah Boon Theng, Mr Mark Lee, Dr Neo Kok Beng, Prof Kenneth Poon, and Mr Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari.
• The President has officially appointed these NMPs for a term of two and a half years, starting from 8 January 2026.
• The NMPs are present to take their oaths and affirmations of allegiance during the session.

Parliament agreed to adjourn to a future date as proposed by Ms Indranee Rajah. The session concluded at 4:59 PM.

The Leader of the House, Ms Indranee Rajah, acknowledged that there are many speakers remaining and that the session would not conclude by 7:00 pm. She moved to continue the proceedings beyond the specified time. A resolution was passed to exempt today's business from the provisions of Standing Order No 2.

The Leader of the House introduced the Second Reading of the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill, which will feature speeches from three political officeholders. Minister Josephine Teo will present the Bill and cover broad policy areas, while Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam and Minister Edwin Tong will discuss specific aspects related to digital development and legal matters. Approval was granted to allow both Rahayu and Tong to speak twice and to lift the time limit on their speeches, accommodating the expected questions and the number of speakers. Members present indicated their assent to these procedural changes.

• The debate focused on a resolution to exempt certain business proceedings from the provisions of Standing Order No 2.
• Mr. Zaqy Mohamad proposed the resolution during the sitting.
• The motion was aimed at facilitating the discussion of specific items on the Order Paper for that day.

• The Leader of the House, Ms Indranee Rajah, raised concerns about contradictions in statements made by the Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh, regarding Mr Noor Deros's attendance at a meeting, specifically whether he "gate-crashed" it or was invited.
• Pritam Singh clarified that he initially stated Mr Deros had "gate-crashed" the meeting based on his understanding at the time, but later acknowledged that Mr Deros was invited by an ustaz, which contradicted his earlier claim.
• Singh confirmed that while Mr Faisal Manap may have known of Mr Deros, other Workers' Party candidates did not, leading to Singh's characterization of Deros as a "nobody."
• The debate highlighted the importance of accurate representations in Parliament, particularly concerning sensitive topics like race and religion, and the implications of using terms like "gate-crashed."
• Both parties agreed on the need for clarity and accuracy in statements made in Parliament to avoid misleading the public and to maintain the integrity of parliamentary discourse.

Parliament was adjourned at 6:39 pm following a resolution by Mr. Zaqy Mohamad to adjourn to a date to be fixed.

• The Speaker announced the communication of the Address of Thanks to the President, which was agreed upon by Parliament on 26 September 2025.
• The announcement was made during a parliamentary session on 29 September.
• The Speaker called for order and proceeded to the next agenda item, which was questions for oral answer.

Parliament has decided to adjourn, with a motion presented by Ms. Indranee Rajah. The adjournment took place at 6:04 PM.

The Leader of the House proposed the appointment of several Members of Parliament to the Committee of Selection. The appointed members include Ms Gan Siow Huang, Ms Indranee Rajah, Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Mr Ng Chee Meng, Mr Ong Ye Kung, and Mr Pritam Singh. The establishment of this committee is intended to facilitate the nomination of Members to other Standing Select Committees and the Special Select Committee on Nominations for Nominated Members of Parliament. The motion was resolved in accordance with Standing Order 100(1).