PNM senator Faris Al-Rawi has been referred to Parliament's Privileges Committee for investigation of statements he allegedly made about Senate vice president Lyndira Oudit. Senate President Timothy Hamel-Smith referred the matter to the committee yesterday after a request by Government Leader in the Senate, Emmanuel George
George had noted statements allegedly made by Al-Rawi on a CNC3 morning show and claimed he had made "unwaranted public attacks" on Oudit's conduct. George also had said Al-Rawi criticised a decision Oudit made on a contribution by PNM Senator Shamfa Cudjoe and claimed Oudit was "egged on" by Government's position in her conduct of proceedings of the Senate.
Hamel-Smith, in yesterday's ruling, said he had reviewed the television interview. He said the Senate's standing order, while not stifling criticism by senators, mandates if the conduct of the presiding officer was to be brought into question, that must be after a substantive motion for the purpose. He said the TV interview took place in the public domain and "without a doubt the criticisms of the presiding officer by Al-Rawi were strident and forceful."
Hamel-Smith said particular remarks by Al-Rawi in the interview particularly perturbed him and he outlined them. He also said the literature in all instances deemed that reflections on the character or actions of the Speaker, particularly alleging bias, could be and historically have been taken by the House to be a breach of privilege and have been punished accordingly.
Hamel-Smith said it seemed to him the remarks by Al-Rawi he had noted could be construed to mean that in handing down her decisions, Oudit was siding with the Government and therefore not acting impartially. Hamel-Smith urged members to tread carefully and "be more mindful of our standard of conduct, both inside and outside of the House."
