Governance & integrity — Topics

13 Sep 2021

Police Investigations into Authenticity of Supporting Documents on Work Performed by Facility Management Contractors Highlighted in Auditor-General's Report for FY2020/2021

The Ministry of Home Affairs lodged police reports against two contractors over possible irregularities in supporting documents for facility management work, with one charged in court and the other given a conditional warning.
The Ministry is enhancing its Integrated Logistics Management System to digitalise records and improve monitoring of facilities management work processes.
The Ministry stated it will take action against those who circumvent the system, with cost recovery applied for non-compliance.

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13 Sep 2021

Annual Declaration of Non-indebtedness by Public Service Employees and Limits on Unsecured Loans

Gerald Giam asked whether all public servants must declare non-indebtedness annually, what the loan limit is relative to income, whether they must report peers exceeding the limit, and the consequences for non-reporting.
Chan Chun Sing replied that all public officers must make an annual declaration of non-indebtedness and must immediately declare if their unsecured debts exceed three months of their monthly salary.
He added that officers can report colleagues who become financially embarrassed in good faith through established internal channels, and that there are duties to maintain integrity and live within one's means.

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13 Sep 2021

Incidences of Police Access to Contact Tracing Data Allowed Under Seventh Schedule of COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act

Leong Mun Wai asked if the Singapore Police Force accessed contact tracing data for investigations between February and August 2021, and if so, for which serious offences under the Seventh Schedule of the Act.
K Shanmugam responded that the police did not access contact tracing data for investigations during that period.
The exchange focused on transparency and legal boundaries regarding the use of pandemic-related data for law enforcement.
The debate highlighted concerns about privacy and the scope of emergency measures in Singapore.

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13 Sep 2021

Protocols for Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers Executing Search on Premises Without Warrant

Miss Rachel Ong inquired about whether Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers (EOs) must wear body cameras during warrantless searches and what protocols exist to ensure proper identification, occupant safety, and prevention of power abuse.
Grace Fu Hai Yien clarified that EOs do not conduct random home checks and follow strict protocols, such as responding to substantiated feedback or external signs, before entering.
EOs must engage occupants, show both EO and corporate staff passes, explain their intent, and will be progressively equipped with body-worn cameras during home checks.

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13 Sep 2021

Names of Companies Involved in Case where Former LTA Deputy Group Director Was Jailed for Taking Bribes

Dennis Tan asked if the LTA would reveal the names of companies involved in the bribery case and whether they would be banned from future government contracts.
The Minister emphasized that LTA maintains strict procurement and safety standards, with multiple layers of checks to prevent corruption.
The names of persons charged have been made public via CPIB press releases, but company names have not been disclosed.
Debarment decisions are made by the Standing Committee of Debarment after current proceedings conclude.
CPIB can only recommend debarment once the legal process is completed.

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13 Sep 2021

Debarment of Parties Involved in Case where LTA Deputy Group Director was Convicted of Receiving $1.24 million in Bribes

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Finance about the debarment status of parties involved in the case where an LTA deputy group director was convicted of receiving $1.24 million in bribes, specifically regarding any recommendations from CPIB, SCOD decisions, and proactive requests for recommendations.
Lawrence Wong explained that debarment is an administrative procedure to protect the Government’s interests and that CPIB can recommend debarment after a court establishes corruption involving a contractor or related parties.
CPIB has submitted recommendations to the Standing Committee on Debarment (SCOD) concerning convicted parties in this case, and SCOD is currently reviewing these recommendations before making a decision.

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13 Sep 2021

Erroneous Payments of CPF Housing Grants as Highlighted in Auditor-General's Report for FY2020/2021

HDB explained that erroneous CPF housing grant payments to ineligible applicants were mainly due to applicants failing to declare material information like income or property ownership, with manual verification processes unable to detect all omissions; immediate recovery actions and process improvements, including automation, are being implemented.
Ministers emphasized systemic improvements across agencies, including more automated processes, intensified internal audits, and training to uphold integrity, while noting that some lapses were isolated and not widespread.
The PA contractor issue is being addressed through an external review by Ernst & Young, with findings to be disclosed, and a framework exists to consider past conduct in future government tenders.
Parliament will receive updates on remedial actions through the Public Accounts Committee, and HDB expects to complete investigations into flagged cases by year-end, with findings made public.

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13 Sep 2021

Contract and Payment Lapses Found in Auditor-General's Audits of People's Association for FY2020/2021

The People’s Association (PA) erroneously used a 70% price fluctuation adjustment instead of the required full adjustment for key construction materials in three projects over seven years, resulting in a preliminary $60,000 loss, and has since reinforced compliance procedures.
AGO found improper approval processes for 252 contract variations at Our Tampines Hub and Heartbeat @ Bedok, which PA verified were approved but poorly documented, prompting a full review, new variation management guidelines, and an e-filing system.
Possible irregularities, including document falsification, were uncovered in $1.27 million of facility maintenance payments at Our Tampines Hub, leading to a police report, staff suspensions, and a task force to strengthen controls.
PA is conducting an extensive internal review of all related payments and has appointed an external consultant to examine its governance and contract management systems across all development projects.

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13 Sep 2021

Government's Actions Following Auditor-General's Findings of Document Alterations and Irregularities for FY2020/2021

The Government has established governance structures and is strengthening processes and training to address recurring lapses in procurement, IT controls, and grants management identified by the Auditor-General, with agencies such as the Ministry of Defence and People’s Association being repeatedly flagged.
Investigations have been conducted into the irregularities across five agencies, with disciplinary actions taken against officers in cases where misconduct was confirmed, including warnings and suspensions, while other cases remain ongoing.
The Government emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability, acknowledging that human errors and process gaps can occur given the scale of operations but ensuring lapses are identified and addressed through regular audits and corrective measures.

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3 Aug 2021

Clarification by Member

Raeesah Khan clarified that her earlier remarks were not intended to cast aspersions on the Police, emphasizing that the Police are part of the solution and that her example was based on a past personal experience with a survivor.
She committed to communicating directly with the Ministry of Home Affairs in the future if any survivor believes they have been processed inappropriately by the Police, while maintaining confidentiality with victims.
The Leader of the House reminded Members of Parliament that while they have privilege and immunity, they must exercise this responsibly and be prepared to substantiate any assertions or allegations made, especially against agencies that cannot defend themselves.

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2 Aug 2021

Number of Licences Granted to Nightlife Operators to Pivot to F&B Businesses Per Month from October 2020 to June 2021 and Enforcement Actions Taken

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the number of licenses granted to nightlife operators to pivot to F&B businesses each month from October 2020 to June 2021, along with data on enforcement actions including proactive operations, investigations for rule breaches, and outlets shut down for violations.
The Minister responded that these questions were addressed in his statement on the fifth update on whole-of-government responses to COVID-19 during the parliamentary sitting on 26 July 2021.
The debate highlighted the need for transparency on how many nightlife operators transitioned to F&B during the pandemic and the extent of enforcement to ensure compliance with safe management measures.

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2 Aug 2021

Promoting More Widespread Remuneration Disclosures by Listed Companies

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed that the government consider adopting industry best practices for remuneration disclosures by state investment entities like Temasek and requiring bonus disclosures.
Lawrence Wong responded that Singapore’s Code of Corporate Governance applies only to listed companies, not to GIC and Temasek, which are commercial entities overseen by their boards.
The government monitors GIC and Temasek’s long-term performance and expenses, and their boards are responsible for disclosure decisions while upholding good corporate governance.
Both entities already disclose compensation approaches linked to performance and have increased disclosures over time, with the government encouraging further meaningful additions to support long-term returns.

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2 Aug 2021

Police Force (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces provisions to protect police officers from personal liability when acting in good faith, while ensuring accountability through criminal and disciplinary actions for abuse of power.
It expands the powers of Auxiliary Police Forces, Commercial Affairs Officers, and Special Police Officers, including granting full police powers and tightening control over APF controllers.
Concerns were raised about delegating police powers to civilian officers, clarity on forced entry and roadblock procedures, and the need for clear guidelines to balance operational effectiveness with public safety.

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5 Jul 2021

Approach and Action Taken in Respect of Madrasah Irsyad Employee who Allegedly Leaked Confidential Documents of Madrasah

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5 Jul 2021

Processes in Civil Service to Manage Incidents and Review Policies and Practices of Discrimination by Race, Religion and Gender

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5 Jul 2021

Assessment Criteria for Projects Financed by Green Bonds issued by Singapore Government

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5 Jul 2021

Proposal to Set Up Commission of Inquiry to Review Government's Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The government has committed to conducting a comprehensive after-action review (AAR) to learn lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic response, but it argues that a Commission of Inquiry is not suitable as the pandemic is an ongoing and evolving crisis.
The Senior Minister explained that a COI is best for singular, past events, while the AAR will be broad-ranging and designed to encourage candid feedback from all participants, including the public, after the situation stabilizes.
Pritam Singh pressed for clarity on the AAR's form and public participation, noting that other countries have already launched formal inquiries, but the government has yet to determine the exact structure of its review.

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11 May 2021

Transparency of Third Party Administrator Fee Arrangements in Singapore

Dr Tan Yia Swam asked whether Third Party Administrator (TPA) companies should be directly regulated, how transparency of TPA fee arrangements can be enhanced beyond current medical council guidelines, and whether financial relationships between TPAs and insurers should be regulated.
The Minister for Health stated that MOH prioritizes regulating direct healthcare providers, as TPAs do not provide direct patient care, and currently relies on guidelines under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act and the Singapore Medical Council’s Ethical Code to ensure fee transparency and prevent improper fee arrangements.
The Minister added that future regulations under the Healthcare Services Act will require itemised billing to distinctly list TPA fees, improving transparency, and that MOH is reviewing TPA practices and will consider stricter regulation if evidence of patient risks emerges.

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11 May 2021

Restoration of Names to Registers of Electors

Ms He Ting Ru raised questions about the process for informing citizens when their names are removed from the Registers of Electors, the steps to ensure timely restoration before elections, and the possibility of removing the $50 fee for restoration, especially for first-time requests.
The Prime Minister’s representative explained that while the law does not require direct notification, the Elections Department sends reminder letters, displays non-voter lists publicly, and uses online and community channels to help citizens restore their names, with the fee waived for those with valid reasons for not voting.
It was clarified that processing of restoration requests stops when the writ of election is issued to finalize the registers and maintain electoral integrity, but non-voters are given ample time—often years—to restore their names before the next election.
For overseas voters, the Elections Department conducts outreach via press releases, diplomatic missions, and direct emails to encourage registration, with data showing increasing overseas voter registration across the 2011, 2015, and 2020 general elections.

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10 May 2021

Clarification by Deputy Prime Minister

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat clarified that the classification of infrastructure expenditures aligns with international standards set by the IMF, not solely the Ministry of Finance's discretion.
He emphasized that Singapore's Reserves Protection Framework and IMF guidelines dictate how certain expenditures are counted or excluded from available revenue.
The correction was made to ensure accuracy in the record regarding the Second Reading of the Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Bill.
Heng explained the need for the clarification to uphold transparency and adherence to agreed international accounting practices.
The debate highlighted the importance of following globally recognized standards in managing government revenues and expenditures.

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