By Sue-Ann Wayow
ATTORNEY GENERAL Faris Al-Rawi has publicly apologised to Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for comments made in Parliament that she had family members who have benefitted financially from Governmental rentals of their properties.
His statements were made during his Budget contribution on October 8.
In a personal explanation on Friday in Parliament, the AG said, “My contribution was not read from a prepared speech at the time.”
He said, “I had official documents which I verily believed supported the statements I made. In addition, the member for Siparia was not in the chamber at the time of my contribution and made no refutation upon the conclusion of my presentation.
“Further, no other member of the Opposition took objection to my statements nor was there any request for clarification at the time of or upon conclusion of my contribution.”
His apology comes after Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal filed a privilege motion stating that he was Housing Minister during Persad-Bissessar’s tenure as prime minister and all the AG’s claims were untrue.
Al-Rawi continued, “It has come to attention that the Member for Oropouche East has since refuted my statements, which reflected on the Member of Siparia. In those circumstances, I withdraw my statements and hereby apologise to the Member for Siparia.”
House Speaker Brigid Annisette-George was about to make a ruling on Dr Moonilal’s motion to send Al-Rawi to the Privileges Committee.
However, Al-Rawi was allowed was to make his apology at the end of Friday’s Parliamentary sitting just before the ruling was made.
Annisette-George eventually ruled the AG’s withdrawal of his statement and his apology was sufficient.
She said, “I am satisfied that the Attorney General provided an explanation, withdrawal and apology at the earliest opportunity. In the circumstances, I therefore find that no prima facie breach of privilege warranting the attention of this House.”
