Governance & integrity — Topics

21 Mar 2023

Accuracy of Guidelines in Section 2.4 of Candidate Handbook for GE2020

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the legal accuracy of the guidelines in section 2.4 of the Candidate Handbook for GE2020 concerning activities from the Writ of Election to Nomination Day.
Chan Chun Sing, speaking for the Prime Minister, responded that the guidelines are legally correct for GE2020.
The debate centers on the validity of election guidelines during the pre-nomination period.
The Prime Minister's office affirmed the accuracy without elaborating on specific concerns.
The exchange highlights the importance of clarity in election administration procedures.

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21 Mar 2023

Circumstances under which Law Enforcement Agencies will Reveal Names of Persons Associated with Ongoing Investigation

Leon Perera asked about the circumstances under which law enforcement agencies disclose names of individuals linked to ongoing investigations and the safeguards in place when such information is publicly revealed.
K Shanmugam stated that the question had already been addressed in a previous oral reply in Parliament on 20 March 2023, referring to the specific case involving Mr Lee Hsien Yang and Mrs Lee Suet Fern.
The debate highlighted the need for transparency balanced with the protection of investigations and individuals, with official references provided for further details.

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21 Mar 2023

Extent of Election Campaigning and Similar Activities Following Issuance of Writ of Election

Gerald Giam asked if election campaigning is allowed from the day the Writ of Election is issued to Nomination Day, and whether candidates can conduct house-to-house visits or visit public places to check on residents or explicitly canvass for votes while in party attire during this period.
The Minister for Education, on behalf of the Prime Minister, clarified that election laws only regulate campaigning during the official campaign period (from closure of nomination to the eve of Polling Day), and that activities like house visits and canvassing are not prohibited before Nomination Day as long as they comply with other laws, such as rules on election advertising and non-citizen restrictions.
Giam sought clarification on the differences between the periods before the Writ of Election, between the Writ and Nomination Day, and after Nomination Day, specifically on whether canvassing and resident interaction are allowed in each.
The Minister responded that interaction with residents is always permitted if it follows the law, and that detailed differences between periods are outlined in the official election guidebook, with key distinctions like stricter rules on electoral advertising during the campaign period.

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21 Mar 2023

Strengthening Governance of Madrasahs in light of Developments Relating to Recent Police Report Made by Madrasah Irsyad

The Minister outlined a series of governance and audit failures at Madrasah Irsyad, where unauthorised transactions between the madrasah and the related Irsyad Trust Limited led to a police report and court charges, prompting the madrasah to file a civil claim to recover losses.
MUIS has introduced sector-wide measures including a shared financial services centre, mandatory audit reporting, frequent leadership rotations, a whistleblowing procedure, and a pilot IT and data policy manual to strengthen governance across madrasahs.
A follow-up question raised concerns about the timeline from the 2014 transactions to the 2021 police report and the pace of implementing IT security measures, with the Minister explaining that discoveries were made through periodic audits and that IT upgrades are ongoing.

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20 Mar 2023

Steps Taken to Ensure Recyclables Collected in Government Campaigns are Not Misused

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment oversees recycling through licensed collectors and facilities that must meet regulatory requirements, submit records, and comply with the Basel Convention and domestic laws, with ongoing monitoring to strengthen processes.
During the debate, officials addressed concerns about recycling program oversight, emphasizing unannounced checks, partnerships with private sector and NGOs, and the use of grants and funds like the SG Eco Fund to support initiatives such as shoe recycling for sports facilities.
Following incidents of misuse in a shoe recycling project, the Ministry and agencies plan to tighten contractual mechanisms, improve monitoring and auditing, and ensure credible partner selection to prevent future issues and promote sustainable waste management.

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20 Mar 2023

Second-hand Shoes Collected in Project for Recycling to Create Running Tracks Exported for Overseas Resale

Several Members of Parliament raised concerns about irregularities in a shoe recycling programme, including donated shoes intended for recycling being diverted for overseas resale and questions about contractual oversight and potential legal breaches.
The Minister confirmed that an investigation found a subcontractor’s sorting mix-up led to some shoes being exported for resale, and corrective actions have been taken, such as terminating the subcontractor and tightening collection and inspection processes.
The Minister stated the programme has otherwise processed 10,000 kg of shoes into materials for local sports infrastructure, with plans to expand usage, and emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to sustainability and improved oversight in future partnerships.

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20 Mar 2023

Naming of Mr Lee Hsien Yang and Mrs Lee Suet Fern when Being Investigated for Giving False Evidence in Judicial Proceedings while Keppel Offshore & Marine Senior Staff were Not Named

Minister Shanmugam explained that the names of Mr Lee Hsien Yang and Mrs Lee Suet Fern were disclosed during an ongoing police investigation due to their alleged absconding and the significant public interest in the Oxley Road matter, similar to prior cases like Karl Liew where court findings of dishonesty were involved.
He contrasted this with the Keppel Offshore & Marine case, where the six former management staff were not named because the investigation could not lead to charges due to insufficient evidence from overseas, and the general policy is not to disclose names unless specific exceptions apply.
The Minister emphasized that disclosure decisions are based on a careful assessment of public interest, potential prejudice to individuals, and whether the facts are already in the public domain, as seen in the court rulings against the Lees.
Supplementary questions raised concerns about fairness, the lack of a formal police order to the Lees, and whether the disclosure prejudiced due process, to which the Minister responded that prejudice was minimal given the existing public court findings.

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6 Mar 2023

Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill

Minister Chan Chun Sing moved the second reading of the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill, linking it to the earlier Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill and referencing explanations from the prior debate.
The minister invited members to raise any additional questions, although their queries and views had already been expressed during the earlier debate on the associated bill.
The bill was read a second time, committed to a Committee of the whole House, and immediately considered in Committee.
The Committee reported the bill without amendment, and it was read a third time and passed.

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6 Mar 2023

Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces postal voting for overseas Singaporeans and special polling arrangements in nursing homes to improve voter access, while detailing safeguards such as wet-ink signature verification, postmark requirements, and polling agent oversight.
It updates election advertising laws by elevating existing rules into main Acts, requiring disclosure of entities involved in publishing and amplifying content, and banning foreign involvement to ensure accountability and transparency.
The amendments streamline election administration, including allowing technical corrections to election expense returns, online publication of returns for public inspection, and new powers for the Returning Officer to audit expenses and direct content removal.
Concerns were raised about the secrecy and integrity of postal voting, the impact of new advertising rules on grassroots activities, and the feasibility of voting assistance for persons with disabilities, with the Minister providing clarifications and assurances.
The Workers’ Party abstained from voting on the Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill due to their longstanding opposition to the elected presidency, while supporting the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill after addressing their queries.

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2 Mar 2023

Accuracy of E-book’s Representation of the Signing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s Last Will

The e-book "The Battle Over Lee Kuan Yew's Last Will" has been criticized for inaccurately representing the circumstances of the signing, as established by the Disciplinary Tribunal and the Court of Three Judges in findings of professional misconduct against Mrs Lee Suet Fern.
Official proceedings found that Mr Lee Hsien Yang and Mrs Lee Suet Fern misled Mr Lee Kuan Yew regarding the will's execution and lied under oath, leading to Mrs Lee Suet Fern's suspension from legal practice.
The Senior Minister stated the e-book ignores these judicial findings and instead exonerates the individuals involved, which is considered misleading and contrary to the established facts.
Police have begun investigations into potential false evidence offenses, but Mr Lee Hsien Yang and Mrs Lee Suet Fern refused to participate and have left Singapore, prompting questions about their cooperation.
The government emphasizes the seriousness of the findings and urges the individuals to engage with investigations to clarify their position.

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1 Mar 2023

Requests to View Government Records Yet to be Declassified

Leong Mun Wai requested statistics on the number of requests to view Government records that have yet to be declassified and how many were approved each year since 2010.
Mrs Josephine Teo stated that the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) works with Government agencies to facilitate access to such records.
Since 2016, over 5,000 records were reviewed in response to 2,130 public requests, with 83% approved for access.
In total, approximately 68,000 file records have been declassified and are now available for public access.

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1 Mar 2023

Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Finance

Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat clarified his earlier statement about the Auditor-General's Office's audits, emphasizing that they include value-for-money assessments in terms of checking for excess, extravagance, or gross inefficiency leading to waste.
The clarification was made in response to a previous parliamentary question from Mr Gerald Giam, with references to an official report on COVID-19 procurement and expenditure.
The Senior Minister of State aimed to provide precise and accurate details on the scope of AGO's audits beyond procedural compliance.

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1 Mar 2023

Analysis of Government's COVID-19 Procurement and Expenditure

The Government spent $72.3 billion on COVID-19 measures from January 2020 to July 2022, with $8 billion for procurement (mostly single-quote contracts for testing and supplies) and the rest for direct support to citizens and businesses.
No procurement was made without a quote, and all single-quote contracts were to unrelated parties, with internal and independent audits ensuring procedural compliance and value-for-money.
The total does not include expenses by Temasek or its foundations for COVID-19 activities, as these are separate from Government expenditure.

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24 Feb 2023

Individuals Currently Monitored under Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that the Police do not disclose whether individuals are being monitored under FICA unless it is in the public interest.
The same policy applies to investigations or Police reports made under FICA, with information generally kept confidential.
Leong Mun Wai asked whether any individuals are currently monitored for influencing domestic political discourse and about the number of related investigations or reports.
The Minister confirmed the government's approach of not publicizing such details to protect operational integrity.
The response emphasized that transparency is balanced against public interest considerations in FICA enforcement.

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24 Feb 2023

Committee of Supply – Head U (Prime Minister's Office)

The debate focused on Singapore's climate change commitments, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with discussions on balancing economic growth, supporting SMEs, and ensuring a just transition for workers affected by the green shift.
Parliament addressed population and fertility challenges, including low birth rates, ageing demographics, and immigration policies, with calls for better family support measures like enhanced paternity leave and flexible work arrangements.
Concerns were raised about corporate governance and anti-corruption efforts, particularly regarding the Keppel case, with discussions on improving transparency, strengthening laws, and ensuring accountability in public and private sectors.
The Smart Nation agenda was reviewed, emphasizing digital inclusion for seniors, cybersecurity, and leveraging technology for public services, while maintaining non-digital options to avoid leaving anyone behind.
MPs debated lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, with the government maintaining that existing engagement mechanisms for youth are sufficient and that voting age should not be changed without clear benefits to governance.

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24 Feb 2023

Inquiry into Death of SCDF NSF Firefighter in December 2022

The government confirmed that the Police are investigating the death of SCDF NSF firefighter SGT1 Edward Go, and the Coroner will make findings on the circumstances after reviewing the investigation.
A Board of Inquiry (BOI) will be convened under the Civil Defence Act to review the incident and make recommendations, but it will start only after the Coroner’s findings are established to consider all facts.
The Minister of State explained that sequencing the BOI after the Coroner’s inquiry allows it to incorporate findings from both the Police and the Coroner for a comprehensive assessment.
The Coroner’s inquiry will be held in public, and the BOI’s findings will also be shared with the public at an appropriate time.
The government emphasized transparency by committing to disclose both the Coroner’s and BOI’s findings to address public concerns and improve firefighting operations.

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23 Feb 2023

Community Volunteers who Engage and Pay Vendors for Grassroots Services

Grassroots leaders (GRLs), who are volunteers appointed by the People's Association (PA), have the authority to plan and execute community programmes, including decisions on engaging and paying vendors, with this ownership enabling timely responses to residents' needs.
This authority is governed by established Rules and Regulations and Financial Rules for GROs, with PA implementing safeguards such as training, audits, compliance checks, and digitalised procurement systems to deter misconduct and ensure transparency.
The conviction of a former Residents' Network chairman for cheating was uncovered through PA's own financial review, demonstrating that existing oversight mechanisms are active and effective in identifying irregularities.
While no system can entirely prevent fraud, PA is committed to continuously strengthening controls and processes to uphold governance, and the Minister emphasises that the good work of the vast majority of volunteers should not be overshadowed by isolated cases of wrongdoing.

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22 Feb 2023

Further Actions on SPH Media Trust's Incorrect Circulation Numbers

Gerald Giam asked whether the Ministry would request SPH Media Trust (SMT) to release its full investigation report on circulation discrepancies and when the report would be completed and released.
Josephine Teo stated the discrepancies occurred before SMT was formed and before government funding, and the internal review data was not used for funding decisions.
Teo noted the decision to share the full report lies with SMT’s own leadership, as the government expects SMT to uphold public trust and fulfill its responsibilities.
She added that SMT’s Audit and Risk Committee should be given sufficient time for a thorough investigation, and the completion timeline depends on their findings.

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22 Feb 2023

Instances where Rule Had Been Waived for 80% of Funds Raised for Foreign Charitable Purposes to be Applied towards Local Charitable Purposes

The Ministry of State for Culture, Community and Youth reported that in the past five years, the Commissioner of Charities granted about 70 waivers annually for the 80:20 fund-raising rule, with over 70% for private appeals like school or church initiatives for overseas causes and the rest primarily for disaster relief such as in Ukraine, Pakistan, and Türkiye–Syria.
The 80:20 rule, requiring 80% of funds raised for foreign charitable purposes to be applied locally, aims to ensure accountability and transparency for public funds, with waivers considered case-by-case to mitigate risks like money laundering and to uphold social harmony.
To ease the waiver process, smaller organizations are encouraged to partner with entities that already have valid fund-raising permits, and the Ministry outlined specific safeguards including anti-money laundering policies, sensitivity in fundraising activities, and compliance with foreign laws and bilateral relations.
The Ministry acknowledged ongoing engagement with NGOs about their challenges in obtaining waivers and emphasized a continued, case-by-case review of the 80:20 rule, with updates to be provided in due time.

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7 Feb 2023

Corporate Culture in SPH Media Trust

Hazel Poa asked about concerns over the corporate culture of the Government-funded SPH Media Trust, emphasizing the importance of integrity and credibility in news media.
Mrs Josephine Teo referred to a previous government response on the issue, specifically the Official Report from 6 February 2023 regarding SPH Media Trust's inflated circulation numbers.
The debate highlighted the need for accountability in a publicly funded media entity to maintain public trust.
The exchange underscored the government's stance that the matter had already been addressed in prior parliamentary replies.
The discussion reflects ongoing scrutiny of corporate governance in state-supported news organizations.

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