Low questions DPM Teo over CPIB corruption case

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An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

MP Low Thia Khiang asked in Parliament today (12 Aug), “I would like to know why the director of CPIB was made responsible for this case and under what circumstances will the head of department or the head of the agency be replaced?”

Mr Low was referring to the recent replacement of CPIB Director Eric Tan due to his supervisory lapses resulting in one of his senior officers, Edwin Yeo, being charged for misappropriating $1.76 million.

Mr Low’s question was addressed to DPM Teo Chee Hean, who is Minister-in-charge of the Civil Service.

DPM Teo replied, “Each case is unique and each case has to be considered in the light of the facts and the actions of the individuals including the supervisors and the head of the agencies.”

“In the case of the CPIB, the independent review panel found that processes in the CPIB had been circumvented resulting in the loss of funds from 2008 (onwards) and in 2011, the director, Mr Tan, introduced new tightened processes which would have uncovered and stopped the losses.”

“However, the tightening was not implemented well, allowing the processes to be circumvented and continued loss of funds.”

“So, the previous and current directors of the CPIB have been formally warned for weaknesses in CPIB’s internal processes.”

Mr Teo said the government is very concerned about the recent incidents involving public officers. He said they should not undermine public confidence or convey the impression that standards have slackened over time.

He added, “Singaporeans, including our own public officers, reject corruption. We have prevented corruption from becoming a way of life in Singapore, and succeeded in keeping Singapore clean.”

“This differentiates us from many other countries, and is a distinctive part of what makes us Singapore.”

Mr Teo said there are robust systems and processes in place to maintain the integrity of the Public Service. These measures are also regularly reviewed and strengthened to address weaknesses.

He stressed that the Public Service does not tolerate wrongdoing and misconduct, and “will take firm action in all cases, decisively and transparently”.

He added that the government expects officers and leaders of the Public Service to uphold the “core values of integrity, service and excellence, and to imbue these values in their officers”.

But even with the principles, policies and processes in place, Mr Teo said, the Public Service needs to appoint the right people.

He explained that the Public Service Commission interviews candidates and exercises its independent judgement in assessing the character and values of potential public sector leaders before appointing them to key positions.

Still, that has not prevented corruption involving senior public officers from happening recently, in which sex or money featured prominently.

http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/08/12...rruption-case/


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