Debated in Parliament on 30 May 2014.
Mrs Lina Chiam asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) from 2007 to 2013, whether there were any corrupt Indonesian fugitives residing in Singapore; and (b) what measures are put in place to (i) ensure that corrupt Indonesian fugitives do not reside in Singapore; and (ii) prevent corrupt Indonesian refugees from seeking refuge in Singapore.
Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption in Singapore and corruption-related offences committed by Singaporeans overseas. This tough stance has enabled us to build a strong reputation internationally for a clean and honest environment.
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) investigates corruption and related offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. In addition, the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, or CDSA, criminalises the laundering of benefits derived from corruption and allows for the investigation and confiscation of such benefits.
Singapore's strict immigration rules ensure that criminal and undesirable elements are kept out of the country. Under the Immigration Act, known fugitives and foreigners whose presence is against Singapore’s interest will be denied entry or have their immigration passes cancelled and be removed from Singapore.
In 2007, Singapore signed an extradition treaty (ET) and defence cooperation agreement (DCA) as a package with Indonesia, which are pending ratification by Indonesia. Singapore remains ready and committed to proceed with the ET/DCA package when Indonesia is ready to do so. Even in the absence of an ET, there is good cooperation between both sides, including the provision of mutual legal assistance and agency-to-agency assistance.
Any person who has information on corrupt activities or of any known fugitive being harboured here should provide the information to the CPIB or Police to investigate.
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