SINGAPORE — Waiving his Parliamentary privilege, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday (July 5) released to the media his ministerial statements and the accompanying materials, including email exchanges between family members.

One of the handouts passed out in Singapore’s Parliament.— TODAY

"As I stated I would do in my Ministerial Statement on July 3, 2017, I am reproducing the speech that I made in Parliament here as a statement made by me outside of Parliament which are not covered by Parliamentary privilege," PM Lee said.

One of the handouts passed out in Singapore’s Parliament.— TODAY

The ministerial statements and materials were delivered in Parliament on Monday and Tuesday during a debate over allegations against PM Lee which have arisen from the 38 Oxley Road dispute.

One of the handouts passed out in Singapore’s Parliament.— TODAY

Parliamentary privilege refers to the legal immunity that prevents Members of Parliament (MPs) from being prosecuted for statements made in Parliament or as part of their parliamentary duties.

One of the handouts passed out in Singapore’s Parliament.— TODAY

This immunity allows MPs to speak freely on issues without fearing legal consequences. The consequences may include being sued for defamation. Waiving this privilege means if any part of an MP"s statement is disputed, further legal action can be pursued. — TODAY