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SINGAPORE - WP MP Kenneth Tiong apologised to National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on Nov 5 for calling his question “stupid” in Parliament.

Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng said he was disappointed in Mr Tiong’s conduct, and reminded all MPs to maintain dignity and decorum.

Mr Tiong (Aljunied GRC) then apologised, with Mr Chee accepting his apology.

He had made his comment during an exchange with the minister

about family offices and sanctioned entities

Asked by Mr Chee to clarify if the WP’s position was that Singapore should take a zero risk approach to preventing bad actors from accessing its financial system, Mr Tiong said there was a pattern of ministers and political office holders asking rhetorical questions.

Mr Seah interjected to tell him to respond to the question.

Mr Tiong then said: “The answer is no, and I don’t think it is the minister’s point of view that you should, in fact, have a zero risk approach, because it’s impossible. So he’s asking a stupid question.”

Mr Chee replied: “I think it is not quite appropriate for Mr Tiong to use the word ‘stupid’ when we are having a discussion in this house.”

He asked Mr Tiong to withdraw his comment and apologise.