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[TD="class: msgtxt"][h=2] MHA says no delay in releasing info on CPIB probe to public [/h]
MHA said it had originally planned to do so on Jan 25.
Speculation has been rife on the Internet over what is seen as a sex scandal involving the awarding of IT contracts.
After the story broke by media, questions were asked about why the MHA had not revealed details earlier, especially since one of the officials was arrested in mid-Dec last year.
CPIB, which is part of the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced interviewing one of the officers, ex-CNB chief Ng Boon Gay, on 19 Dec 2011 and the other, ex-SCDF chief Peter Lim, on 4 Jan 2012 as part of CPIB investigations against them. They were arrested on the day they were picked up for interview.
MHA said that both officers were placed on leave when the investigations began.
“At that point in time, it was premature to make any announcement as CPIB investigations had just started and the outcome was not known. Furthermore, a public announcement at that point could compromise CPIB investigations,” said MHA.
“On 20 Jan, CPIB informed MHA that although their criminal investigations have not been completed, there was sufficient basis for the Ministry to consider civil service disciplinary action for misconduct.”
“MHA initiated action to interdict the two officers from their duties which took effect from 25 Jan and commenced civil service disciplinary proceedings. MHA also took action to appoint their replacements to ensure leadership continuity in both departments. MHA had planned to make these announcements on 25 Jan, but as news of the investigations had already appeared, MHA decided to advance the media release by one day (24 Jan).”
The Chinese newspaper, Wanbao, broke the story on the evening of 23 Jan.
MHA futher clarified, “In CPIB investigations, it is normal procedure for the person to be placed under arrest if CPIB assesses that there is some basis for suspecting that the person may have committed an offence. The person can then be released on bail and is required to return for further investigations as needed.”
It reiterated that any allegations of misconduct against public officers will be investigated fully and thoroughly, regardless of their position or seniority. This is to uphold the highest standards of integrity and conduct in the public service.
Over the last 1 year, there has been a string of corruption cases in the civil service involving public officials. The ex-CNB chief and the ex-SCDF chief, both PSC scholars, are the latest to be arrested.
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