Governance & integrity — Topics

1 Mar 2019

Checks and Audits on CHAS Subsidy Calculations

Members of Parliament raised concerns about the accuracy of CHAS subsidy calculations after a system error led to incorrect subsidies for 7,700 recipients, questioning audit frequency, on-site verification, in-house computation, vendor accountability, and the outsourcing of IT systems.
The Health Ministry explained the error stemmed from a wrong software file version during a server migration, resulting in an estimated $2 million in overpayments, with costs to be recovered from the vendor NCS, while underpaid recipients would be reimbursed.
The Ministry outlined existing audit processes, agreed to enhance beneficiary verification, and committed to reviewing testing and deployment procedures, including independent quality assurance, but defended outsourcing as efficient for mature systems.

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26 Feb 2019

Stricter Measures to Ensure Pre-employment Blood Tests Cannot be Forged

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar questioned the Minister for Health about stricter measures to prevent forging pre-employment blood tests, prompting a response on existing verification processes and penalties for fraud.
The Ministry of Health explained multiple identity verification points for blood tests and that HIV tests require referrals from registered doctors, with fraud leading to prosecution and professional disciplinary action.
Further clarification sought on forgery of other work qualifications, with the Ministry noting cross-checking with issuing institutions to ensure authenticity, particularly for healthcare sector applicants.

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13 Feb 2019

Personal Data Information Lapse Incidents Reported and Disclosed to Public

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira requested annual statistics from 2014 to 2018 on government personal data incidents reported to police or the PDPC, disclosure rates to the public and affected individuals, and average timelines for reporting and disclosure.
Over the past three years, the government reported 41 incidents to the police, mostly involving lost physical assets like laptops, with 80% reported the same day; these are not reported to the PDPC as it does not investigate government incidents.
Of the 41 police-reported cases, individuals were notified in seven incidents and both individuals and the public in four, taking an average of three weeks from police report to notification for investigation and evidence safeguarding.
The remaining 30 police reports involved lost physical assets with no specific individual data compromised, while separate internal data mishandling incidents like misaddressed letters or emails are handled internally without police involvement.

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12 Feb 2019

Unauthorised Possession and Disclosure of Information from HIV Registry

The Minister for Health detailed the unauthorized disclosure of HIV Registry data by Mikhy Farrera Brochez and Dr. Ler Teck Siang, affecting over 16,000 individuals, and outlined MOH's decision-making process on public disclosure, emphasizing the balance between transparency and patient well-being.
MOH has implemented enhanced data security measures, including stricter access controls, a two-person approval process for data downloads, and expanded data governance, while also providing support services for affected individuals.
The government highlighted ongoing legal actions against Brochez and Ler, stressed the need for societal support to reduce HIV stigma, and affirmed that penalties for data misuse are under review.

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12 Feb 2019

Proposal for Legislation to Deal with Foreign Interference of Singapore’s Election and Politics

The debate highlighted that foreign interference in elections and politics, using tactics like disinformation and fake accounts, is a real and growing threat seen in countries like the US, UK, and Ukraine, and Singapore is especially vulnerable due to its open society and sensitive fault lines.
The government cited past and recent instances of foreign interference in Singapore, including historical cases of foreign-funded newspapers, the expulsion of an academic for acting as a foreign agent, and the SingHealth hacking incident, underscoring the need for updated legal frameworks.
The government outlined a two-pronged strategy: enhancing public awareness and discernment against falsehoods, and developing new legislation to swiftly counter hostile information campaigns and pre-emptively expose clandestine foreign interference.
The response emphasized that existing laws are outdated for modern threats, and the government will move on these issues later this year, considering recommendations from the Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods.
The debate concluded with a reaffirmation that Singapore's politics must be for Singaporeans alone to decide, and the government is committed to safeguarding political sovereignty from foreign actors.

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11 Feb 2019

Environmental Impact Assessments for Construction Works Near National Parks or Nature Reserves

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development whether EIAs would be made mandatory for all construction works near national parks or nature reserves and whether such reports would be publicly available.
The Second Minister for National Development, Mr Desmond Lee, stated that projects near sensitive areas already undergo in-depth consultations and further environmental studies if impacts are significant, with findings made public unless there are security reasons.
Mr Ng followed up, suggesting that releasing full EIA reports minus sensitive data could clarify ground disputes, citing the Tengah case, to which the Minister responded that EIA reports are gazetted in full and findings have been shared with the public and nature groups.

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11 Feb 2019

MINDEF's Follow-up Actions and Plans in Aftermath of Latest Training Incident in New Zealand

Multiple MPs raised urgent concerns about safety protocols, training reviews, and accountability following recent SAF training deaths, especially the incident involving Corporal Aloysius Pang, asking about safety timeouts, manual updates, external audits, and psychosocial support.
Specific questions focused on the adequacy of refresher training for reservists, the rigor of safety checklists for high-risk operations, the design and procedures of the Primus Howitzer involved in the Pang incident, and the balance between realistic training and safety.
The Ministry of Defence was asked to detail its investigative findings, systemic changes, and measures to rebuild confidence, including memorialization for fallen servicemen and initiatives to promote a stronger safety culture and speaking-up without fear of insubordination.

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15 Jan 2019

Study of Public Preferences for Government Expenditure

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira proposed that the Ministry of Finance study public preferences for government expenditure by allowing income tax filers to hypothetically allocate 10% of their taxes toward specific ministries and publicizing the results to enhance accountability and responsiveness.
Heng Swee Keat acknowledged the importance of understanding public needs for budget allocation, noting existing methods like surveys, feedback channels, and annual Budget feedback exercises such as REACH’s Listening Points.
The Minister highlighted examples of how public feedback influences spending, such as increased social spending reflecting collective aspirations, while balancing resources for defense, law, and infrastructure.
The government plans to continue exploring various ways to understand public preferences and clarify the link between revenue and expenditure.

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15 Jan 2019

Proposal to Make Public Data on Complaints of Unfair Employment Practices

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to consider publishing detailed, employer-identified data on unfair employment practice complaints and to explain the rationale for keeping such data confidential.
The Minister of State responded that while TAFEP already publishes aggregated complaint statistics and takes enforcement action (including warnings and work pass curtailments), naming all employers is avoided to protect employee privacy, though egregious cases are publicized, and case studies are used for education.
Assoc Prof Theseira expressed concern that not naming employers generally could lead to a perception that insufficient action is being taken against discrimination, prompting a call to reconsider the naming policy.
The Minister of State assured that every complaint is assessed and substantive action is taken, citing 521 companies investigated from 2013 to 2017, with 300 warned and 221 having work pass privileges curtailed.
Other members suggested enhancing transparency by sharing complaint trends by sector, nature, and company size, with the Minister of State noting that while naming all employers is not feasible, case studies are used and suggestions for more detailed disclosure will be considered.

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14 Jan 2019

Investigation into Singaporeans Involved in Keppel Offshore and Marine Corruption Case and Actions Taken

Dennis Tan asked for an update on the CPIB investigation into Singaporeans involved in the Keppel Offshore & Marine corruption case and actions taken.
Indranee Rajah, representing the Prime Minister, stated that investigations are ongoing and a request for Mutual Legal Assistance has been sent to foreign authorities for further evidence.
The response emphasized that the speed and extent of processing the request depend on the foreign jurisdiction, and CPIB will proceed thoroughly once all evidence is secured.
The Attorney-General's Chambers will assess the case and decide on appropriate actions only after investigations are completed.

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20 Nov 2018

Online Falsehoods in Recent News Reports Alleging Singapore's Involvement in 1MDB Deals

The Ministry of Law rebutted false online reports alleging Singapore's involvement in 1MDB money laundering, detailing Singapore's extensive investigations, penalties on banks, asset seizures, and cooperation with Malaysia.
The government took action against the false article by filing a police report, requesting its removal, and blocking the website, while criticizing Facebook for not removing the post despite its falsity and public interest concerns.
Officials emphasized the need for legislative powers to combat deliberate online falsehoods, as social media platforms like Facebook have been ineffective in curbing such content.

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20 Nov 2018

Additional Hidden Costs in Award of Contracts to Overseas Tenderer for Mid-Autumn Festival 2016 and Chinese New Year 2017

The Auditor-General’s report highlighted that the People’s Association did not account for additional transportation and site costs in its tender evaluations for the Mid-Autumn Festival 2016 and Chinese New Year 2017, but these costs were known and averaged $34,000 per event from 2014 to 2016; an independent investigation into Chingay Parade 2017 procurement found no conclusive wrongdoing but referred the matter to the Police due to concerns over transaction authenticity.
The Minister clarified that the AGO did not find “hidden costs” and that the lapses were administrative, with PA acknowledging them and implementing measures to prevent recurrence; internal audits had earlier identified procurement issues, which were addressed before the AGO’s latest review.
The Minister emphasized that accountability lies with PA’s management and that any wrongdoing will be addressed, while criticizing the MP’s use of terms like “fraud” as unsupported by the AGO report and highlighting the difference between qualified and unqualified audit opinions, noting PA’s accounts have been unqualified in recent years.

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19 Nov 2018

Share Ownership by Senior Management of Temasek Holdings and GIC in Companies The Sovereign Wealth Funds Have Invested in

The Minister for Finance, Heng Swee Keat, affirmed that all market participants, including employees of GIC and Temasek, must comply with laws against insider trading and any violations will be legally addressed.
Both GIC and Temasek have established internal rules, codes of ethics, and compliance manuals that prohibit staff from using insider information or engaging in personal investments that create conflicts of interest with their organizations.
The boards of GIC and Temasek are held accountable for enforcing good corporate governance, and disciplinary actions, including termination, will be taken against employees who violate these codes.

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1 Oct 2018

Breakdown of Total Value of Assets Misappropriated for Economic Crimes from 2014 to 2018

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the total value of assets misappropriated or gained by convicted economic crime offenders and the total value of assets recovered by enforcement authorities for each year from 2014 to 2018.
The Minister responded that the government does not track such data on the value of assets misappropriated or recovered for economic crimes.
The Minister noted that the number of commercial crimes reported has remained stable over the last three years from 2015 to 2017.

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1 Oct 2018

Actual National Bonus and Annual Variable Component Paid to Cabinet Ministers Yearly from 2013 to 2017

Leon Perera asked the Prime Minister for the actual National Bonus and Annual Variable Component paid to Cabinet Ministers in months for each year from 2013 to 2017.
The question was addressed orally in Parliament on 1 October 2018.
The official reply referred to the report on "Salary Components of Prime Minister and Ministers" from that date.
The debate summary is based on the recorded speeches from the specific parliamentary session.

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1 Oct 2018

Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill

The Bill proposes streamlining candidate-related processes, including simplifying election deposit calculations, allowing electronic payment methods, and tightening nomination entry requirements to ensure only serious candidates participate.
It introduces contingency measures for disruptions like lost ballot boxes, such as re-polling at affected stations if results could be influenced, and empowers the Returning Officer to manage such situations flexibly.
Other administrative updates include publishing electoral boundary maps online instead of in the Gazette, refining election expense reporting, and clarifying rules for voter marks on ballots to protect the integrity of the voting process.

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1 Oct 2018

Audits on Social Enterprises Managing Hawker Centres to Prevent Charging of Hidden Fees

The Ministry stated that the National Environment Agency (NEA) audits social enterprises managing hawker centres to ensure transparency and that all mandatory charges are declared upfront, with any new charges requiring NEA approval.
The Ministry highlighted benefits of these social enterprises, such as introducing affordable meal options, improving hygiene and vibrancy, and supporting new hawkers through training programs.
Concerns about optional fees and stallholder profitability were addressed, with the Ministry noting that optional charges are not mandatory, place managers monitor centres regularly, and operators bear rental risks.
The Ministry is not considering rental subsidies at this time, emphasizing that stallholders enter agreements with full knowledge of costs, while keeping a close watch on the sustainability of hawker centres.
Social enterprises are deemed sustainable as they meet key performance indicators, with the government refining the management model to balance affordability for hawkers and food quality for patrons.

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1 Oct 2018

Salary Components of Prime Minister and Ministers

The Deputy Prime Minister explained that ministerial salaries are structured with fixed pay (65%) and variable components (35%), all within the 2012 White Paper benchmark of $1.1 million for an entry-level minister, with no additional perks or hidden payments.
He provided data showing variable pay components like Performance Bonus, National Bonus, and Annual Variable Component are part of the total salary, with ranges and averages given for 2013–2017, but no absolute dollar amounts were disclosed in response to the query.
The government affirmed transparency and the principles of competitive pay, a 40% discount for public service ethos, and a clean wage, noting a 2017 review reaffirmed the framework, and salaries remain unchanged despite a 9% benchmark increase.

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10 Sep 2018

Regulation of CareShield Life under Insurance Act to Protect Premiums Collected and Payouts Claimed

CareShield Life will not be subject to the Insurance Act as it will be administered by the Government, but it will follow similar regulatory standards for solvency set by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The Government will enact new legislation to create a CareShield Life Fund, which will hold all premiums and investment returns, be audited annually, and be used solely for policyholders.
An independent council will be established to advise on and recommend adjustments to premiums and payouts based on actuarial soundness, ensuring the scheme’s long-term sustainability.
The new legislation aims to ensure proper governance and transparency, with financial accounts made public to account for all monies collected and paid out.

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10 Sep 2018

Standard Operating Procedure for Declassification of Government Documents

The Senior Minister of State outlined that government documents over 25 years old are digitized, reviewed by the originating agency for declassification, and made accessible online if they pass national security, confidentiality, and privacy checks.
Researchers can request access to archived documents, but agencies may impose restrictions based on sensitive considerations, and there is no specified timeline for declassifying currently restricted documents.
The proportion of documents withheld from the National Archives Online is unknown, and the government does not select specific researchers for access, though some documents may be redacted rather than fully withheld if possible.

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