MPs cannot rely on unsubstantiated allegations

SINGAPORE: Leader of the House Mah Bow Tan has reminded MPs that they must maintain decorum and be responsible when making statements in Parliament. This is to keep public trust in Singapore’s parliamentary system, Mr Mah said before Parliament was adjourned on Friday. Without identifying the MP, Mr Mah, who is also the National Development Minister, said a member of the House had criticised the media based on unverified information.

Source: CNA

The member in question was MP for Tampines, Sin Boon Ann, who on Wednesday quoted an unsubstantiated e-mail he received, alleging the media was biased in its reporting of the AWARE saga. He had since apologised in Parliament.

Does Dr Thio Li-Ann have to apologise too?  After all, in her speech on ‘militant secularism’, she relied on seemingly unsubstantiated sources.  In a excerpt of her 27th May speech printed in the ST: 

The feedback I received from friends and strangers on the reporting of the Aware controversy was that much of the reporting, particularly in one paper, was biased. It largely lacked a diversity of views in singing the same chorus that religious groups should not get involved in secular organisations. Some spoke of their new lists of ‘fair’ and ‘unfair’ journalists.

Shouldn’t Mah take issue with Thio’s alleged “feedback from friends and strangers”?  I’m not trying to be anal.  I just think Mah is not being realistic.



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