The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a statement regarding the timing of its anouncement on CPIB's probe involving former Singapore Civil Defence Force Commissioner Peter Lim and former Central Narcotics Bureau director Ng Boon Gay. Here is the statement, in full:



"CPIB commenced interviewing one of the officers on 19 December 2011 and the other on 4 January 2012 with regard to investigations against them.

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.

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.

On 20 January 2012, 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 January 2012 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 January 2012, but as news of the investigations had already appeared, MHA decided to advance the media release by one day.

Due process has to be followed to facilitate investigations, to be fair to officers accused, and to avoid prejudicing any legal or disciplinary proceedings. These cases demonstrate that any allegations of misconduct against public officers will be investigated fully and thoroughly, regardless of their position or seniority, to uphold the highest standards of integrity and conduct in the public service."