Updated: 05/02/2014 10:37 | By Channel NewsAsia
Most S'poreans trust govt to deal with corrupt officials: WJP poll
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SINGAPORE: More than seven in 10 Singaporeans believe that corrupt government officials who misuse public funds will not be able to get away with their crime.
This is according to a poll of 99 countries by the World Justice Project (WJP), which describes itself as an independent organisation working to advance the rule of law around the world.
The survey results showed that a majority of people -- 62 per cent of individuals worldwide -- believe that a high-ranking government officer guilty of using public money for personal benefit will face no punishment for their conduct.
The study showed that 73 per cent of Singaporeans believe that offenders would be held accountable, placing the republic fifth behind Botswana (88 per cent), New Zealand (79 per cent), Norway (76 per cent) and Hong Kong (75 per cent).
Other countries that make up the top 10 include Denmark (70 per cent) and the United States (65 per cent).
More than 70 of the 99 countries surveyed scored lower than 50 per cent, a result which WJP said suggests a "global distrust in accountability systems meant to maintain ethical government".
"Instead citizens across regions believe governments most often begin investigations into complaints, only to let the culprit off," it added.
- CNA/nd
