Three Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs), who had been worried that a proposed law would curb freedom of speech, explained yesterday why they changed their views and voted for the legislation on contempt of court at Monday's parliamentary session. SMU Assistant Professor of Law Mahdev Mohan and two other NMPs had submitted to Parliament what they viewed as vital changes for the Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill. He said it was a thorough exchange the Members of Parliament had during the debate, and reasons were given. The NMPs also said it was important to get the clarifications they sought because the official parliamentary record, known as the Hansard, will be used by judges and lawyers to interpret the law. Agreeing, SMU Assistant Professor of Law Jack Lee said: "Legislation is always going to be interpreted in a way that achieves its purpose... One of the ways to establish the purpose is to look at parliamentary speeches."