SINGAPORE - Former Singapore Civil Defence Force Commissioner Peter Lim and former Central Narcotics Bureau director Ng Boon Gay had been arrested under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) confirmed yesterday in response to media queries.

The pair, who are now out on bail, are "continuing to assist the Bureau in separate investigations", the CPIB said.

However, as investigations are ongoing, it is "premature to assume" that Mr Lim and Mr Ng would be "ultimately liable for any criminal proceedings", a CPIB spokesman added in a statement late last night.

According to the CPIB, Mr Ng was arrested on Dec 19 while Mr Lim was arrested on Jan 4.

The CPIB did not reveal the bail amount of each man, whether others have also been arrested in relation to their cases and if there were companies involved in the proceedings against the two men. "Given the nature of our work, CPIB is unable to provide further details on the current cases," its spokesman said.

The CPIB spokesman reiterated that the bureau "takes a serious view" on corruption here and all complaints and allegations of corruption are "carefully evaluated".

Upon completion of its investigations, the CPIB will "refer the investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers with the necessary recommendations", its spokesman said.

The spokesman added: "Prosecutorial discretion when any criminal wrongdoings are revealed lies with the Attorney-General. In the case of public servants especially where there are no criminal wrongdoings but where there may be serious misconduct, the matter may also be referred to the ministry or agency concerned for the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken."



How tender process works: MHA

Mr Ng and Mr Lim, who have been suspended and replaced at their respective agencies, are said to have been in a close working relationship with a female IT executive at a company that supplied IT-related products and services to several government agencies. Their cases are believed to be linked to tenders awarded to the company.

Responding to media queries, a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) spokesperson said Mr Lim and Mr Ng are employed under a non-pensionable scheme for uniformed MHA personnel called the Home Affairs Uniformed Service scheme.

The MHA spokesperson added that key appointment holders in Home Team departments are selected on "the basis of their ability, performance track record and conduct, and the officers are subject to periodic character and security checks".

The MHA spokesperson said it follows a tender and procurement process set by the Finance Ministry. The tenders are published in the Gebiz portal for the information of all potential tenderers. Quotations are called for purchases not exceeding S$70,000 and tenders are called for purchases above S$70,000. The level of approving authority varies with the value of the purchase.

Quotations are evaluated and approved by the respective Home Team departments. The tender bids received are evaluated by a Tender Evaluation Committee, which then submits its recommendation to a Tenders Board for approval.

Tenders between S$70,000 and up to S$1million are approved by a Tenders Board comprising three senior officers from the Home Team Department. Tenders above S$1 million are approved by a higher-level Tenders Board comprising MHA HQ senior management and a senior officer from the Home Team Department.

"The tenders are evaluated independently bawsed on their own merits. For both quotations and tenders, there are segregation of roles between the officers evaluating the quotations/tenders and the officers approving them," said the MHA spokesperson.



Allow due process to take place, says Head of Civil Service

In a press statement, Mr Peter Ong, head of the Civil Service, said the Singapore Public Service takes a "firm stance" on upholding integrity in public institutions and among public officers.

He said: "The current investigations reaffirm this stance. They show that the Government will take firm and decisive action, regardless of the position or seniority of the officer."

Even as he acknowledged that news of the investigations must "come as a shock" to public officers, Mr Ong spoke of the need for due process: "We must be fair to the officers facing the allegations and establish the facts... further comments on the cases, pending completion, will not be helpful".

Mr Ong reiterated that the public service has "built a reputation of professionalism and efficiency, and more importantly, of integrity". "It is critical that the people of Singapore continue to trust the Public Service," he added.

He urged public officers to "remain steadfast in their duties ... and not let this affect our commitment to serve Singapore and Singaporeans". Said Mr Ong: "If anything, this is a good reminder to us all that public trust and confidence in our Public Service is a precious asset to be protected."

Meanwhile, the SCDF and CNB assured the public of their commitment to carrying out their duties. The CNB said its work is proceeding as per normal and its officers remain determined and committed to controlling the drug situation here.

The SCDF said the morale of its staff remains high and it looks forward to continuing its initiatives, programmes and outreach efforts.