The motion was deferred at Backer’s request at Monday’s sitting, moments after the opposition parties stormed out of the National Assembly during the debate over the $8 billion Supplementary Appropriation (No.3 of 2009) Bill 2010.
Last Thursday, the National Assembly was served notice of Backer’s intention to move a motion seeking to have Singh appear before the Committee of Privileges so he could be questioned about his earlier move to have her censured for comments she made about the joint services ranks. Backer is moving to have Singh questioned through counsel or directly before the Committee of Privileges.
On October 22, Dr Singh moved a motion to have Backer appear before the Committee of Privileges, in keeping with Standing Order No.32. This was because he objected to statements made by Backer on torture in relation to joint services ranks travelling to Trinidad to boost the security operations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference.
On that occasion, Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran ruled that a prima facie case had been made out against Backer and referred the matter to the Committee of Privileges, which addresses disciplinary action against members of the House.
