SINGAPORE - Laying out the timeline of events, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said yesterday that there was "no delay" in releasing the news of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) probe into the allegations of misconduct against two top men at the ministry.

On Jan 24, Lianhe Wanbao broke the news that former Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Commissioner Peter Lim and former Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) director Ng Boon Gay were being investigated and have been suspended from duty.

In its statement yesterday, MHA said it had planned to make the announcements on Jan 25. However, as news of the investigations had already been published, it decided to issue a media release a day earlier - on the same day that the news broke. It also clarified that both officers had been placed on leave initially and were only suspended on Jan 25.

"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," MHA said.

It added: "Due process has to be followed to facilitate investigations, to be fair to officers accused, and to avoid prejudicing any legal or disciplinary proceedings."

Earlier, the CPIB had revealed that Mr Lim and Mr Ng were arrested on Jan 4 and Dec 19, respectively, under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Both men are currently out on bail.

According to MHA, it was informed by CPIB on Jan 20 that although its criminal investigations have not been completed, there was "sufficient basis" for the ministry to consider civil service disciplinary action for misconduct.

MHA then initiated action to interdict the two officers from their duties, which took effect from Jan 25. It also commenced civil service disciplinary proceedings and appointed their replacements to "ensure leadership continuity".

MHA added that in CPIB investigations, it was "normal procedure" for a person to be placed under arrest if the bureau assesses that there is "some basis for suspecting that the person may have committed an offence". The person can be released on bail but is required to return for further investigations when needed, MHA added.

The ministry reiterated that the cases involving Messrs Lim and Ng "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".



WAS NEWS WITHHELD UNTIL AFTER SALARY DEBATE?

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Chinese New Year event at Marina Bay yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean was asked to address the cynical perception that news of the arrests was withheld until after last week's Parliamentary debate on ministerial salaries.

In response, Mr Teo, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, said: "CPIB is an independent organisation and it determines for itself how it proceeds the investigations. It also demonstrates no matter how senior, whatever position the officers can be in, they will be subject to full investigation if such a case arises."

Adding that the alleged misconduct was disappointing, Mr Teo said he did not know how long the investigations will take. However, he stressed that it was important to allow the law and civil service disciplinary proceedings to take their course.

Asked about the six other officers who were reportedly also questioned, Mr Teo said he was "not in the position" to comment as investigations were in progress.

He noted that when the CPIB has fully investigated the case, it will refer the matter to the Attorney-General's Chambers. "That's the legal proceedings. As for the civil service proceedings, if they are based on the same facts, then they will usually allow the legal proceedings to complete first before the civil service proceedings (commence)." said Mr Teo.

With Parliament scheduled to sit on Feb 14, Mr Teo said: "If I have more information then, I'll be happy to provide it to my fellow Members of Parliament."