Governance & integrity — Topics

2 Apr 2024

Character and Citizenship Education Lessons on Gaza Conflict

Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai requested the Ministry of Education to publicly release the lesson materials for the CCE module on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Leong expressing disappointment that the slides were not shared and arguing for greater transparency so parents can know what is taught.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that the lesson materials are available on MOE’s website and highlighted that the Ministry prefers to engage parents directly to explain the content and delivery, rather than releasing the slides alone, which could be taken out of context, and that schools are prepared to dialogue with concerned parents.
Sharael Taha supported the CCE lesson’s goal of helping students navigate complex issues and maintain social harmony, and Chan affirmed that the Ministry will continue to address sensitive topics in the curriculum, consulting stakeholders while maintaining leadership responsibility to guide students and protect Singapore’s social cohesion.

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7 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head F (Parliament)

He Ting Ru called for strengthening Parliament’s independence and transparency, advocating for the Speaker’s impartiality, more open debates, and proper scrutiny of government policies rather than reliance on Ministerial Statements.
Gerald Giam proposed establishing standing Select Committees for each Ministry to improve oversight, while Indranee Rajah countered that existing systems already ensure accountability and argued such committees would be resource-intensive and unnecessary.
Raj Joshua Thomas warned against overly high expectations and politicisation of private lives, stressing the need to protect MPs’ families from scrutiny and cautioning that asset declarations could deter talented individuals from entering politics.
The Leader of the House reaffirmed the effectiveness of Singapore’s parliamentary processes, defended the use of ad hoc Select Committees for specific issues, and highlighted the role of Government Parliamentary Committees in supporting policy work.
The debate concluded with He Ting Ru withdrawing her motion to reduce funding for Parliament after acknowledging ongoing efforts to maintain a robust and accessible legislative institution.

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7 Mar 2024

Selection of Organisations to Operate Active Ageing Centres

The Ministry of Health aims to increase Active Ageing Centres from 157 to around 220 by 2025 through a Request-for-Proposal process and direct appointments based on merit, track record, and financial viability.
Providers will be selected via a fair and transparent system that considers existing local presence to minimize disruption to seniors, while ensuring flexibility to meet growing demand.
Pritam Singh asked if all centres, including those in opposition wards, will be run on a non-partisan and non-political basis, similar to current charitable operations.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that all Active Ageing Centres will be run in a non-political and non-partisan manner, with the selection process open to all applicants.
The Ministry emphasised that the dual approach of RFPs and direct appointments aims to balance fairness, transparency, and operational efficiency in expanding services for seniors.

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6 Mar 2024

Engaging Social Media Influencers for Government Campaigns

The Ministry of Communications and Information does not have a specific budget for engaging social media influencers and evaluates them as one channel among many in broader communications efforts.
Social media influencers engaged by the Government are required to clearly declare sponsorship within their posts, a requirement that has been previously addressed in parliamentary replies.
The question of extending this declaration requirement to influencers sponsored by election candidates or political parties was suggested to be directed to the relevant ministry, as it falls outside the scope of the Ministry of Communications and Information.

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4 Mar 2024

Justification for POFMA Correction Direction Issued on 15 February 2024 with Details of Couple's Financial Information

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that the disclosure of a couple's CPF and MediSave balances in a POFMA correction direction was necessary to correct false claims about their financial situation and was done without identifying the couple, aligning with public interest exemptions under data governance laws.
Concerns were raised about whether such detailed financial disclosure could lead to the couple's identification and whether it might discourage vulnerable individuals from seeking help, but the Ministry maintained that anonymity was preserved and the disclosure was justified to set the record straight.
The debate further revealed that the couple had approached MP Pritam Singh in 2020 but received no response, leading to the involvement of another MP who publicized their case, which the Ministry criticized as potentially politicizing the couple's situation for political gain.

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28 Feb 2024

Tracking Targeted Outcomes Not Met Under Grants Governance Framework and Average Returns

Ms See Jinli Jean asked about the performance of grants under the governance framework, specifically the number and proportion that failed to meet targeted outcomes, accountability mechanisms, and average returns for successful grants.
The Deputy Prime Minister explained that the framework provides central guidance on grant management but individual ministries and agencies are responsible for setting objectives, controls, and monitoring performance.
He noted that ministries track outcomes of their schemes and can provide more details if requested, but did not give specific figures on non-meeting grants or average returns.

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28 Feb 2024

Statistics of Rejections in Applications for Civil Service Jobs

Leong Mun Wai asked the Prime Minister for statistics on civil service job application rejections and those due to failing background or security checks from 2010 to 2023.
Chan Chun Sing, speaking for the Prime Minister, responded that the Public Service Division does not track the number of applicants not selected for Civil Service positions.
The debate highlights a gap in data collection regarding civil service recruitment outcomes.
It underscores the need for improved transparency or record-keeping in the hiring process.

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26 Feb 2024

Singapore Citizens' Participation in Foreign Political or Legislative Bodies

Leong Mun Wai asked the Ministry for Home Affairs for data on Singapore citizens’ participation in foreign political or legislative bodies before and after the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021 was enacted.
K Shanmugam stated that while media reports exist of Singapore citizens participating in such bodies, the law requires them to declare their involvement to the Registry of Foreign and Political Disclosures, with specific deadlines for those who joined before or after February 2024.
As of February 14, 2024, no declarations had been made to the registry.

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26 Feb 2024

Public Disclosure of Assets for Political Office Holders and Key Personnel in Civil Service and Government-linked Corporations

Leong Mun Wai proposed public disclosure of assets for political office holders and key personnel in the civil service and government-linked corporations to enhance transparency and public trust.
The government responded that existing processes already require political office holders to declare assets to the President via the Prime Minister upon appointment and civil servants to declare interests annually or when acquiring significant assets.
For government-linked corporations, the government noted they are private entities and make their own decisions regarding asset disclosure.

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26 Feb 2024

Reasons for Wrong Charging of GST by Government Agencies and Review of Processes to Prevent Recurrence

The Singapore government identified that 18 regulatory fees were incorrectly charged with GST due to misclassification as processing fees, and will issue refunds with 5.5% annual interest to affected taxpayers from January 2019.
The error arose from inconsistent interpretation of GST rules rather than technological gaps, and the Ministry of Finance will amend the GST Act to provide a clear statutory list of regulatory fees exempt from GST to prevent recurrence.
The government emphasized its commitment to transparency and integrity, noting that when errors are discovered, they are rectified and public trust is maintained through proactive refunds and process improvements.

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16 Feb 2024

Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

The Bill formalizes IRAS's role in administering broad-based enterprise grants, granting it new powers to investigate fraud and recover overpaid funds to safeguard public monies.
Amendments provide IRAS with enforcement powers similar to tax investigation authorities, including access to premises and arrest, to combat grant abuse and ensure timely recovery of wrongly disbursed amounts.
The Minister clarified that penalties will be imposed per offender, interest charged only on late repayments, and safeguards like informant protection are included to balance enforcement with fairness.

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7 Feb 2024

Public Finances

Progress Singapore Party (PSP) members Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa moved a motion urging a review of Singapore's budget and reserve accumulation policies, arguing that current practices overly burden present-day Singaporeans with high costs and taxes, and proposing greater transparency on reserve sizes, using more investment returns for current spending, and waiving land costs for HDB flats.
Workers' Party members, including Pritam Singh and Jamus Lim, supported more openness about reserves and a flexible approach to using Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC) beyond 50% for social needs, while maintaining the principal reserves, and proposed a parliamentary select committee for better oversight.
Government MPs and Nominated Members defended the existing framework, emphasizing fiscal prudence, the importance of reserves for crisis management and currency stability, the risks of disclosing reserve sizes, and the need for a balanced approach that secures both current and future generations, supporting amendments to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

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7 Feb 2024

Guidelines For Schools on Setting Criteria for Direct Admission Scheme

The Ministry of Education (MOE) outlined that schools have flexibility in setting DSA-Sec selection criteria but must adhere to MOE guidelines on transparency, objectivity, inclusiveness, and student-centricity, with selection panels led by school leadership and criteria published online.
Over the past five years, MOE received an average of seven complaints annually regarding DSA-Sec outcomes, which it reviewed and found schools to have conducted processes rigorously and professionally; MOE invites further evidence of systemic issues for investigation.
The Minister emphasized the DSA-Sec's goal to assess diverse student talents and potential beyond academics, distinguishing between isolated cases and systemic problems, and welcomes feedback to enhance the system's diversity and fairness.

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6 Feb 2024

Prudence in Use of Public Funds to Maximise Benefit for Singaporeans at SGPO

Yip Hon Weng asked how SGPO will ensure prudence in public fund usage, evaluate performance, report on projects, extend focus beyond social projects, and determine management responsibilities for public facilities.
Edwin Tong clarified that SGPO serves as a first stop for partnership proposals, connects citizens with agencies, and agencies assess proposals under existing funding and procurement rules.
SGPO is in early operation, tracking proposals, refining systems and metrics, and will update the public on partnership progress.

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6 Feb 2024

Sensitivity Training for Officers and Tracking Workplace Discrimination within Police Units through Peer Support Programmes

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked if the Police provides mandatory sensitivity training for commanders and officers to detect and deter discrimination in their units.
He also inquired whether the Police would track counselling services through peer support programmes to assess discrimination trends while ensuring officer confidentiality.
Minister K Shanmugam referred to his earlier written answers and ministerial statement on 6 February 2024 regarding allegations surrounding the suicide of Sgt Uvaraja s/o Gopal.

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6 Feb 2024

Status of Government Projects Planned with Mr Ong Beng Seng’s Companies

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked if government projects planned with Mr Ong Beng Seng’s companies would proceed as planned or have their contracts reviewed, and whether any contract terms were amended.
Minister Gan Kim Yong referred to a previous combined oral reply on 5 February 2024 regarding the review of F1 contracts with the Singapore Government and guidelines for investment agencies engaging private entities.

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6 Feb 2024

Convening of Electoral Boundaries Review Committee and Revision to Report Format

Gerald Giam inquired whether the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) has been convened, if its formation will be announced, and if its report must include detailed reasons for boundary changes.
Chan Chun Sing, representing the Prime Minister, confirmed that the EBRC has not yet been convened, as its work depends on recent population and housing data.
The Prime Minister’s Office explained that the EBRC comprises senior civil servants who independently assess technical data and that requiring detailed justifications for each boundary change is impractical.
It was emphasized that the EBRC should operate professionally without media or public pressure to ensure objective recommendations.
The Prime Minister’s office reassured that there will be sufficient time between the EBRC report’s release and the next election for candidates and parties to prepare.

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6 Feb 2024

Individuals Charged under Section 165 of Penal Code

Gerald Giam asked for statistics on charges, convictions, and sentencing under Section 165 of the Penal Code from 1965 to 2023, as well as the rationale for using this section instead of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
K Shanmugam stated that records for the entire period are unavailable, making it impossible to provide the requested numbers or averages.
The Minister noted that charges against ministers are rare, with only three cases since independence, including the current case against Mr Iswaran.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers does not publicly disclose reasons for choosing specific charges, as prosecutorial discretion depends on case-specific evidence and factors.

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6 Feb 2024

Allegations Surrounding Suicide of Sgt Uvaraja s/o Gopal

The Minister stated that investigations into Sgt Uvaraja’s allegations found some were true and had been acted upon earlier, while others were untrue, with the Attorney-General’s Chambers confirming no further action was needed.
The Minister outlined the extensive support provided to Sgt Uvaraja, including substantial medical and no-pay leave, psychological assistance, and coaching, while also noting the personal and disciplinary issues he faced prior to his death.
The Minister emphasized the framework for handling workplace harassment and mental health support within the Home Team, citing training, reporting channels, and available services, and stressed that the vast majority of officers maintain high standards.

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6 Feb 2024

Prevalence of Complaints of Discrimination and Unfair Treatment in Police Force and Involvement of External Experts in Reviews

Dr Tan Wu Meng inquired about involving external experts in the investigation of a police officer’s death, the use of the Inquiries Act for external review, and mechanisms for officers to report racial discrimination.
Mr Darryl David sought data on the number and percentage of internal complaints about prejudice, discrimination, or unfair treatment in the police force over the past five years.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs indicated that the Minister would address these questions as part of a Ministerial Statement on allegations surrounding the suicide of Sgt Uvaraja s/o Gopal.

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