Last year, British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a coughing fit that interfered with a speech she was giving. At that point Chancellor Philip Hammond passed her a lozenge, which the Prime Minister sensibly put in her month.
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/theresa-may-coughing-speech
That was the UK. Now for Kumamoto. To avoid a similar coughing fit, Yuka Ogata used a lozenge while she addressed the city council. Later when the chair asked her if she had something in her month she explained that she was using a lozenge because she had a cold. This led to the sudden convention of a disciplinary committee which, in it’s infinite wisdom, censured Ms. Ogata and required her to read the following:
“On the 28th of September, when I stood to address the chamber, I violated Article 134 (which prohibits undignified behavior) of the council rules. In view of the need for members to behave in a dignified manner, I deeply regret my thoughtless behavior. I am deeply sorry and hereby apologize.” 私は9月28日の本会議において、質疑中に演壇において、本市会議規則第134条に抵触する行為を致しました。議会の品位を重んじなければならない議員の職責に鑑みて、軽率な行為であり深く反省いたします。まことに申し訳ありません。ここに陳謝いたします。 ✳︎134条 議会の品位を重んじなければならない
Ms. Ogata refused to read this humiliating statement and was therefore further sanctioned by being excluded from the city council meeting for one day.
– Kirk
https://www.sankei.com/west/news/180928/wst1809280102-n1.html
