Governance & integrity — Topics

10 May 2021

Processes in Place to Ensure Fair Consideration for Small and Medium-sized Law Firms in Litigation, Negotiation and Contract Reviews

Leon Perera asked the government about its use of small and medium-sized law firms for legal work and the processes ensuring their fair consideration.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers acts as the government’s main legal advisor, but external legal services are procured when specific expertise is needed.
Over the past five years, about one-third of government legal service contracts were awarded to small and medium-sized law firms with up to 30 lawyers.
Government agencies follow principles of transparency, open competition, and value for money, awarding contracts to firms that best meet requirements and cost-effectiveness.
Selection criteria are specified upfront in each tender or quotation request to ensure fair consideration.

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10 May 2021

Audits to Ensure Jobs Support Scheme Payouts Have Not Been Made to “Phantom” Workers

The Government takes a serious view of attempts to defraud the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS), such as paying CPF contributions for "phantom" employees to claim payouts.
IRAS has a robust anti-gaming framework to detect abuse, requiring authentication of CPF contributions for high-risk cases and reporting strong evidence to the Commercial Affairs Department for investigation.
Over 5,000 employers have been reviewed, leading to the denial of about $28 million in payouts for over 1,000 employers due to suspected abuse and the referral of 10 employers to CAD.
Penalties for JSS abuse are severe, with offenders facing up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines under the Penal Code.

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10 May 2021

Standardised Treatment for Tenants at State-owned Properties

Members of Parliament raised concerns about whether statutory boards provide consistent treatment to tenants of state-owned properties, particularly the National Arts Council (NAC) and Sport Singapore (SportSG), and questioned the transparency, consent, and support processes for lease changes.
The Ministry explained that statutory boards tailor tenant treatment based on their specific functions and tenant needs, with regular policy reviews and stakeholder engagements, and highlighted NAC’s Framework for Arts Spaces (FFAS) which offers subsidized rates, diversified spaces, and early engagement for lease transitions.
For sports, SportSG facilitates direct allocation of spaces to National Sports Associations guided by multi-year plans, provides facilities grants, and engages tenants early for changes or renewals, working to identify replacement sites when needed.
NAC’s FFAS includes open calls, formal assessments, and differentiated support for artists at various stages, with public consultations and published rationales to enhance transparency and community involvement.
Both NAC and SportSG commit to ongoing reviews and stakeholder engagement to ensure policies remain relevant and to support continuity and access for arts and sports groups.

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10 May 2021

Measures to Ensure Accurate Disbursement of Funds for Support Schemes

The government outlined multiple checks across the design, implementation, and post-disbursement stages to ensure accurate fund disbursement, including internal and external audits, data analytics, and an anti-gaming system.
An error in re-opening date data caused overpayments in the Jobs Support Scheme, foreign worker levy waiver, and rebate; the issue was detected through post-disbursement checks and queries, prompting remedial actions and process improvements.
Lessons from the incident led to additional safeguards, such as automated coding of re-opening dates, external verification, and heightened internal audits for all COVID-19 support schemes.
Oversight rests with scheme owners and implementing agencies like IRAS and CPFB, with accountability at the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries.
The government acknowledged the unprecedented crisis context, committed to transparency, and emphasized continuous strengthening of processes to prevent recurrence.

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10 May 2021

Aggregate Dollar Value Dollar Value of Corruption Cases Investigated or Prosecuted in 2020

The Ministry responded that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) does not compute an aggregate dollar value for corruption cases as it pursues all cases regardless of monetary value, and noted forfeiture amounts of about $2.2 million in 2020, $3.8 million in 2019, and $2.4 million in 2018.
CPIB has enhanced its digital capabilities through initiatives like electronic reporting and bail platforms, a digital investigation paper system, a new command centre, and upgraded forensic analytics to maintain operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prevention of Corruption Act is under review to align penalties with other economic crimes, consider separate punishments for corporate bodies, and assess expanding extraterritorial provisions to address overseas corrupt transactions.
CPIB and the government are working to entrench an anti-corruption culture among younger generations through public education, co-created resources with students, and maintaining vigilance to preserve Singapore’s reputation and social fabric.

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5 Apr 2021

Appointment of Executive Director of Mosque-Madrasah-Wakaf Shared Services under Police and CPIB Investigation for Alleged Halal Certification Mismanagement

The Minister confirmed that the appointment of the former Halal Department official to the Mosque-Madrasah-Wakaf Shared Services was a staff rotation, not a promotion, and part of MUIS's career development framework.
MUIS completed an internal review in December 2020, finding its halal certification processes sound and fair, with findings reviewed by MCCY, before referring the matter to CPIB and Police for further investigation.
MUIS stated it will fully assist in the police and CPIB investigations and, despite finding no evidence of improper conduct, referred the matter for independent scrutiny to ensure accountability and transparency.

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5 Apr 2021

Status and Outcome of Police Investigations into Report by SportSG in April 2017 on Alleged Misuse of Funds Resulting in Police Raids on Local Football Clubs

Sylvia Lim inquired about the status and outcome of police investigations into a 2017 SportSG report alleging misuse of funds that led to raids on the Football Association of Singapore and three local football clubs.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the Attorney-General's Chambers is reviewing the investigation findings by the Commercial Affairs Department.
He indicated it was not appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.
The response confirmed the investigation is ongoing pending legal review.

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5 Apr 2021

Investigation into Allegations of Abuse of Power in Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Al-Islamiah

The Minister confirmed that Irsyad Trust Limited was established in 2006 by Madrasah Irsyad’s management committee and the two were linked until 2021, but an S$2 million transfer in 2014 was identified and repaid after a 2016 audit.
MUIS is conducting a review of financial transactions between Madrasah Irsyad and Irsyad Trust Limited; findings will determine if further action is needed, and while financial reports are not public, they are audited and submitted to MUIS.
An internal investigation was conducted in 2019/2020 by the Joint Madrasah System Board of Governors regarding a staff complaint at Madrasah Irsyad, but it was unrelated to Irsyad Trust Limited or the former MUIS Senior Director who resigned in 2016.

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4 Mar 2021

Estimates for the Financial Year 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022

The Committee of Supply met for its fifth allotted day to review the budget estimates for the financial year from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022.
The session was chaired by the Deputy Speaker, who oversaw the proceedings and ensured the debate followed parliamentary procedures.
The focus was on scrutinising government expenditures and allocations for the upcoming fiscal year to ensure accountability and effective use of public funds.

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1 Mar 2021

Review of Alleged Misappropriation and Pawning of Ceremonial Jewellery at Hindu Endowments Board

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth about the Hindu Endowments Board's review of alleged misappropriation and pawning of gold ceremonial jewellery worth over $2 million between 2016 and 2020, and steps to prevent recurrence.
The Minister confirmed the incident occurred at the Sri Mariamman Temple, with the former Chief Priest charged under the Penal Code and other Acts, and the case is before the courts.
The Hindu Endowments Board conducted a special audit of gold inventories across all its temples, found no other irregularities, and is improving governance, including better gold movement registers and tighter oversight.
The Board is increasing audits, including unannounced ones, and working with the Commissioner of Charities to strengthen controls and share lessons with other Hindu temple charities.
The response emphasised serious follow-up actions to prevent future abuse and ensure proper management of ceremonial jewellery across all endowments.

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26 Feb 2021

Protocol for Law Enforcement Officers in Apprehending Suspects

The Minister explained that law enforcement officers use force based on real-time threat assessments to protect lives, prevent offences, and apprehend suspects, with policies reviewed as necessary and complaints investigated for possible disciplinary or criminal action.
The Minister noted that the Singapore Police Force has limited manpower and would consider the suggestion for public reporting on use of force data, but emphasized the existing recourse for public complaints and the lawful conduct of police.
The Minister highlighted that public education on police procedures and force guidelines is not currently a focus, but the Ministry invites further rationale on regular data reporting to Parliament.

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26 Feb 2021

Access to Government Documents in National Archives

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Communications and Information for an update on the number and proportion of government documents over 25 years old that are accessible via the National Archives Online and the factors the Archives considers when granting researchers access to these public archives.
The National Archives of Singapore holds about two million government records that are 25 years or older, with metadata for approximately 258,000 records publicly accessible on Archives Online, a significant increase from 160,000 records in 2019.
Records transferred to the National Archives undergo declassification before public access, and the Archives is working with public agencies to progressively make more records available.
The National Archives considers factors such as safeguarding national defence, internal security, international relations, confidentiality, and personal privacy when reviewing records for release.
The response emphasizes that public access to archives is managed in line with global practices, balancing transparency with the protection of sensitive information.

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26 Feb 2021

Committee of Supply – Head M (Ministry of Finance)

MPs raised concerns about fiscal accountability, prudent resource allocation, and value-for-money, especially during COVID-19, with questions on multi-agency projects, large infrastructure spending, and the Jobs Support Scheme’s broad-based approach versus targeted support.
The debate included proposals for an independent fiscal council to scrutinize budgetary policies, which the government rejected, citing Singapore’s strong fiscal track record and existing robust oversight mechanisms.
Discussions covered support for businesses, including digitalization, sustainability reporting for private companies, and enhancing public sector capabilities in procurement, grants management, and audit.
The government highlighted efforts to ensure agile crisis response, such as fast-tracking assistance, using data and technology for better outcomes, and strengthening long-term fiscal sustainability and investment performance oversight.

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26 Feb 2021

Environmental Impact Study for Sungei Kadut Eco-district

Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required for the initial development of the Sungei Kadut Eco-district site because it was former scrubland with non-native trees and not near sensitive nature areas, but NParks later mandated a fauna baseline study and environmental monitoring due to potential drainage impacts.
JTC’s contractor undertook unauthorized land clearing of 4.5 hectares in late 2020, which was discovered in January 2021, leading to an immediate suspension of all clearance works and ongoing investigations by JTC and NParks into the breach.
The Ministry will engage stakeholders and make study findings public, while also reviewing project supervision processes across agencies to prevent recurrence and sharing lessons learned after investigations conclude.

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1 Feb 2021

Public Consultation for Review on Strengthening Foreign Halal Certification Bodies Recognition Framework

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked if MUIS will open a public consultation for its review of the foreign halal certification bodies recognition framework by end-2021.
Masagos Zulkifli responded that the review aims to strengthen governance, transparency, and align with domestic halal food needs.
He confirmed that MUIS will engage industry players, foreign halal certification bodies, and stakeholders to gather feedback during the review.
Further details on the consultation and engagement process will be announced later in the year.

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5 Jan 2021

Early Mail-in Ballots from Overseas Voters to Ensure Overseas Singaporeans' Participation in Elections

Dennis Tan Lip Fong proposed allowing early mail-in ballots for overseas Singaporeans to boost their election participation.
Chan Chun Sing responded that overseas voting is already available at polling stations, and mail-in ballots face risks like delays, security issues, and potential tampering.
The Elections Department will keep reviewing processes to improve overseas access while maintaining vote integrity and secrecy.

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5 Jan 2021

Clarification by Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Minister for Foreign Affairs clarified that TraceTogether’s primary purpose is COVID-19 contact tracing, emphasizing its high participation rate and privacy protections, including Bluetooth-only data collection, 25-day auto-purge, and no GPS tracking.
He acknowledged that under the Criminal Procedure Code, police can access TraceTogether data for serious criminal investigations, though this power must be exercised judiciously, and committed to transparency and maintaining public trust.
Ministers responded to questions about data deletion post-pandemic, potential impact on adoption, and specific assurances that most Singaporeans would not be affected, reiterating the balance between public health and privacy.

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5 Jan 2021

Payouts under Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme Subjected to Clawback

The Ministry of Manpower and NTUC confirmed that SIRS payouts are subject to financial audit, with external auditors appointed and internal audits conducted, revealing that about 0.5% of successful applicants (approximately 1,000 out of 200,000) made erroneous declarations, leading to requests for refunds.
There were known scams where ineligible individuals were encouraged to apply, and such cases have been referred to the Police for investigation, though the exact number of cases referred was not provided in the debate.
The Minister clarified that eligibility was initially assessed based on declarations to ensure timely aid, and while most applicants were valid, some were mistaken about their circumstances; the government is reaching out individually to arrange refunds, and while instalment options were not explicitly mentioned, the approach is to handle cases fairly.

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4 Jan 2021

Undue Influence of Pharmaceutical Companies' Marketing Incentives on Healthcare Providers

The Ministry of Health requires healthcare providers to follow professional standards that prioritize patient interests over any third-party influences, and larger healthcare institutions have their own policies to ensure integrity and transparency in relationships with pharmaceutical companies.
The Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (SAPI) promotes self-regulation through a Code of Conduct, but the Ministry does not monitor compliance or have information on violations, as SAPI is a private association.
The Ministry is developing common best practices for healthcare institutions on accepting external sponsorships, to be implemented in public institutions in 2021 and later expanded to a Code of Practice for both public and private sectors.
The Ministry is not currently considering a centralized reporting system for pharmaceutical companies’ payments to healthcare providers, instead focusing on institutional policies and inviting feedback on improper practices.

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4 Jan 2021

Improving Disclosure Obligations and Corporate Governance Transparency for Singapore Companies

Dennis Tan highlighted a report indicating Singapore companies are less transparent than those in Malaysia and Thailand on corporate governance, and asked what steps will be taken to improve disclosure and transparency.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, responding for the Prime Minister, noted Singapore ranks highly in regional corporate governance assessments and that the cited study has a narrow scope focusing on anti-corruption disclosures among top ASEAN firms.
The government outlined specific measures: SGX RegCo recommends companies disclose anti-corruption policies on their websites, proposes mandatory disclosure on whistleblowing practices, and the Corporate Governance Advisory Council will survey listed companies to enhance governance disclosures.

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