Governance & integrity — Topics

5 Feb 2024

Debarment of Vendors Involved in Corruption Investigations from Future Government Contracts

Individuals convicted of corruption involving public officers in connection with government contracts are debarred from future government procurement contracts for a period, with this debarment potentially extending to their companies or businesses.
Individuals under investigation are not automatically debarred unless convicted, but agencies may consider the investigation as a relevant factor in evaluating bids, such as assessing the contractor's ability to perform under contract.
For existing contracts, government agencies can terminate them on a case-by-case basis if corruption is committed by the contractor or related persons, balancing the need to address corruption with avoiding adverse impacts on service delivery.

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5 Feb 2024

Updating Codes of Conduct and Whistle-blowing Framework for Political Office Holders and Public Officers

The Prime Minister’s representative, Mr Chan Chun Sing, outlined a structured approach to governance integrity, emphasizing that rule updates should follow three questions: whether rules were flouted, unclear, or too lax, rather than knee-jerk reactions, while acknowledging no system is perfect.
Specific clarifications were provided on gift and meal acceptance rules for public officers, including thresholds for declaration, the need for judgment in social settings, and advice to avoid solo engagements with private stakeholders to manage risks.
The codes of conduct for public officers and political office holders are reviewed regularly, with the latter last majorly updated in 2005, and an established whistle-blowing framework allows reporting to agency heads or CPIB with confidentiality protections.
Training and inculcation of values are emphasized through onboarding, mandatory quizzes, and senior leadership discussions, while the public sector’s context of fairness and public trust differs from private sector transactions.
The government committed to drawing lessons from ongoing cases, including S Iswaran’s, without prejudging outcomes, and to transparently restore trust while maintaining operational practicality.

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5 Feb 2024

Reviewing F1 Contracts with Singapore Government and Strengthening Guidelines for Investment-oriented Agencies that Engage with Private Entities

Members of Parliament raised concerns about the structuring and audit of F1 contracts, potential non-compliance by officials, and the impact of corruption allegations on Singapore’s economic agencies and international reputation.
The Minister confirmed that the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) is reviewing the F1 contracts and that the Singapore Tourism Board will audit the 2022 race, while noting that any further details may be subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
Economic agencies are required to follow the Public Service Code of Conduct, and the government will maintain its commitment to the F1 Grand Prix while monitoring investor confidence and responding robustly if needed.

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5 Feb 2024

Further Inquiry into Former Minister S Iswaran's Case Given Outcome of Investigations

Members of Parliament asked whether further inquiry or consideration was needed regarding former Minister S Iswaran's case after the completion of investigations and the bringing of charges.
The Prime Minister's Office responded that the specific parliamentary concerns were addressed by Mr Iswaran's resignation, voluntary return of allowances, and the ongoing court proceedings, so no further action by the House was necessary.
It was noted that suspending an MP under investigation would prejudge wrongdoing, and withholding allowances while on leave of absence is not a general rule, as leave does not imply penalty and each case should be assessed on its facts.
A Committee of Inquiry was deemed unnecessary because the CPIB had investigated and the courts were handling the case, with any further steps to be considered after court proceedings conclude.

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10 Jan 2024

Guidelines for Use of Diplomatic Bags and Past Cases of Misuse

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has internal guidelines for using diplomatic bags, allowing only official documents and limited personal items to support staff overseas duties, such as medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There have been no instances of questionable use of diplomatic bags in the past five years, except for one case currently before the courts.
Staff must declare items placed in diplomatic bags, which are also subject to x-ray surveillance and legally permissible checks to prevent misuse.
The Ministry periodically reviews its processes and considers further measures to ensure diplomatic privileges are not abused, including regular checks and compliance with import/export restrictions.

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9 Jan 2024

Deviation in Size of Constituencies Made by Electoral Boundaries Review Committee

Hazel Poa questioned the EBRC's policy of allowing a 30% deviation in constituency size from the mean since 1980 and asked for the rationale, while also querying whether the terms of reference should explicitly include ensuring more equal representation.
Chan Chun Sing responded that the EBRC has used a ±30% variation norm since 1980 to balance fair representation with the need for frequent boundary adjustments due to population shifts.
The debate centered on the balance between equal representation and practical adjustments, with no immediate change to the EBRC's terms of reference announced.

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9 Jan 2024

Update on CPIB Investigation into Minister for Transport

Ms Hazel Poa asked the Prime Minister for an update on the CPIB investigation into the Minister for Transport.
Chan Chun Sing, for the Prime Minister, assured that the case will undergo due legal process.
He stated that the CPIB has completed its investigation and the matter is now with the Attorney-General's Chambers for review.
He emphasized it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

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22 Nov 2023

Enforcement Actions Against Drivers for Failing to Conform to Requirements of Fourth Schedule of Road Traffic Rules

Ms He Ting Ru queried the number of enforcement actions taken against drivers or vehicle owners for non-compliance with the Fourth Schedule of the Road Traffic Rules on identification marks over the last five years, broken down by vehicle type.
The Minister for Transport, represented by Chee Hong Tat, responded that the data is available in Table 1, which shows enforcement actions for registration number plate or identification mark offences over the last five years, broken down by vehicle type.
The debate focused on the need for transparency and accountability in enforcing vehicle identification mark regulations, with the government providing the requested statistical breakdown.
The exchange highlights the parliamentary process of questioning and answering on regulatory enforcement matters related to road traffic rules.
The response confirms that enforcement data is collected and presented in a structured format, enabling oversight of compliance with vehicle identification requirements.

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22 Nov 2023

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No 3) Bill

Supporters argued that allowing the President to hold international roles in a private capacity, with Cabinet oversight, strengthens Singapore's global standing and aligns with national interests, citing past examples of Ministers serving in similar capacities.
Opponents, particularly from the Workers' Party, questioned the necessity of the amendment, asserting that the President could continue serving in an official capacity and that the change might blur lines between personal and state interests.
The government clarified that the amendment is a proactive, transparent measure to address a legal grey area, ensuring the President's international engagements are conducted under a clear framework that safeguards national interests and avoids conflicts.

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22 Nov 2023

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No 3) Bill

The Deputy Prime Minister introduced the Bill to amend the Constitution, creating a framework for the President and Ministers to accept international appointments in their private capacities, which the Government argues is necessary to advance Singapore's national interest and allow them to contribute independently to global bodies.
Supporters of the Bill, such as Ms Denise Phua, argued that it enhances Singapore's international influence and provides a structured, transparent framework to prevent abuse, while some members expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest, the President's time being diverted from official duties, and the lack of clarity on financial and logistical support.
Opponents, including MPs from the Workers' Party and Progress Singapore Party, objected to the Bill, citing risks to the President's focus on constitutional duties, the unprecedented and rushed nature of the constitutional amendment, and the retrospective application of the law, which they argue undermines the rule of law and the integrity of the elected presidency.

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7 Nov 2023

Requiring Charities to List Their Top Donors in Annual Returns

Don Wee asked whether charities with Institution of Public Character (IPC) status must list top donors in annual returns and how many filed for FY2022.
Edwin Tong clarified that IPCs are not required to disclose top donors in submissions to the Commissioner of Charities, but must report all donations and activities in financial statements and annual reports.
About 98% of required IPCs filed their annual returns for FY2022, with follow-ups ongoing for the remaining.

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6 Nov 2023

Training of Full-time National Servicemen to Help Them Recognise Workplace Practices Inconsistent with Existing Doctrines

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim inquired whether the Ministry of Home Affairs would review training for full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) in the SPF and SCDF to ensure they understand how to recognize and challenge workplace practices that contradict existing policies or doctrines.
Minister K Shanmugam confirmed that NSFs in the SPF and SCDF receive basic training that includes instruction on core values, codes of conduct, and the importance of reporting breaches of policies, procedures, or doctrines through established confidential channels.
NSFs and officers can report wrongful practices to supervisors, commanders, directors, or senior leadership, either in writing or in person, with all reports being objectively and expeditiously investigated.
Awareness of reporting channels is communicated during initial training, in-service programs, dialogues, and periodic internal communications, ensuring NSFs are informed upon joining and throughout their service.

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4 Oct 2023

Political Affiliations of Individuals under Consideration for Appointment as Grassroots Leaders

Hazel Poa questioned if grassroots leaders must declare political affiliations before appointment and whether the People's Association considers such affiliations in appointments.
Edwin Tong clarified that grassroots leaders are not required to declare their political affiliations to the People's Association.
The debate focused on transparency and criteria in the appointment process for grassroots leaders.
No policy change or additional requirements were announced during the exchange.

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4 Oct 2023

Notification by Returning Officer of Receipt of Postal Ballots from Overseas Voters in 2023 Presidential Election

Ms Hazel Poa asked whether the Elections Department (ELD) notified overseas voters of postal ballot receipt and acceptance, reasons for non-acceptance, impact on voter status, and potential alternative methods given only 60% of ballots were accepted.
The Prime Minister’s office confirmed ELD notifies voters by email when return envelopes are received and allows status checks online, but does not currently inform voters if ballots are accepted for counting and will study implementing this.
Overseas postal voters who registered and downloaded their ballot papers are not considered non-voters even if their envelopes are not received, and most rejected ballots were due to late or illegible postmarks.
ELD will review improvements to the postal voting process but advises voters to mail envelopes early and affix stamps where necessary to meet deadlines.
The government will consider alternative methods for returning postal ballots in future elections while emphasizing timely submission to avoid rejection.

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3 Oct 2023

Data on Profitability of Public Transport Operators and Their Generated Returns on Invested Capital

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport for data on the profitability of each public transport operator over the last three years and their respective returns on invested capital.
Chee Hong Tat, speaking for the Minister for Transport, responded that the question had already been addressed in the 3 October 2023 sitting.
The debate highlighted the Member's request for specific financial performance metrics of public transport operators.
The Minister's representative indicated that the information was previously provided in a prior parliamentary session.
The exchange underscores ongoing parliamentary interest in the financial transparency of public transport operators.

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3 Oct 2023

Standardised Training on Procurement Procedures for All Officers across Public Service

Hazel Poa asked whether the Public Service conducts standardised procurement training for all officers, why not if absent, and if such training could prevent procurement lapses.
Lawrence Wong stated that since 2018, all new procurement officers must complete a compulsory e-learning module on standard procedures.
He noted that while training is important, it cannot fully prevent lapses given the volume of transactions, and the Government aims to reduce such issues.
The Ministry of Finance’s Finance and Procurement Academy regularly shares lessons from past lapses and good practices with procurement officers.

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3 Oct 2023

Upper and Lower Limits of Salaries for Civil Servants Suspended on Reduced Pay

Ms Hazel Poa asked the Prime Minister for the upper and lower limits of salaries for civil servants suspended on reduced pay, and for statistics since 2000 on the number suspended under different pay conditions, as well as the basis for no-pay suspensions.
Chan Chun Sing, speaking for the Prime Minister, stated that interdiction on half-pay has a floor of $1,200 and a ceiling of $8,500 per month, and no-pay interdiction applies after wrongdoing is established, up to the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.
Approximately 300 civil servants were interdicted over the last decade since 2013, with 10% directly on no-pay, 30% initially on half-pay then no-pay, and 60% only on half-pay due to ongoing investigations, pending cases, no wrongdoing found, or resignation.

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3 Oct 2023

Postal Ballots Received from Overseas Voters after 11 September 2023 Deadline

The Prime Minister reported that for the 2023 Presidential Election, 2,263 out of 3,432 overseas postal ballots arrived by the 11 September 2023 deadline, with an additional 267 received by 18 September, of which 83 were postmarked before 1 September 2023.
The ELD will consider the suggestion to have ballots delivered to Singapore embassies or consulates before being couriered back, but noted that this method could still face delays and postmark verification issues.
To maximize ballot acceptance, the ELD has encouraged overseas voters to mail their return envelopes early and directly to Singapore to meet the deadline.

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19 Sep 2023

Full-page Advertisement in Business Times for Recipients of Singapore Business Awards 2023

He Ting Ru asked whether public funds were used for a full-page advertisement in the Business Times on 3 August 2023, which recognized recipients of the Singapore Business Awards 2023.
She also inquired about the source and amount of funds if public money was involved, and the rationale behind the advertisement.
Edwin Tong Chun Fai stated that no public funds were spent on the advertisement.

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19 Sep 2023

Funding Received by Preschool Where Alleged Mistreatment Occurred

Hazel Poa inquired about the funding received by a preschool provider accused of child mistreatment, specifically asking for total Anchor Operator funding since 2014, whether it would be reviewed due to the allegations, and if not, the reasons.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M directed the question to a prior official response dated September 18, 2023, referencing a report on investigations into the alleged mistreatment.
The debate highlighted parliamentary procedures for addressing questions through official records rather than direct replies in the current session.

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