Tighten system to fight corruption, says Singapore People’s Party

SINGAPORE — The Singapore People’s Party (SPP) today (July 24) “urgently” called on the Government to “tighten the system to fight corruption”.

“The government’s policy is that paying high salaries will mitigate corruption in the public and civil service. It is time for this policy to be questioned again,” said Mrs Lina Chiam, chairman of the SPP, in a statement.

In tackling corruption, Mrs Chiam, also a Non-constituency Member of Parliament, urged the Government to “prioritise a ‘stick’ approach, rather than a ‘carrot’ approach”.

“Corruption can only be deterred if the penalties are costlier than the potential bribe received. This should begin with imposing tougher penalties for offences such as asset misappropriation.”

This morning, Edwin Yeo, a Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau Assistant Director, was charged with criminal breach of trust, forgery and misappropriating property involving S$1.7 million. “We also note an increase in corruption-related offences among high-ranking and junior public officers recently,” said Mrs Chiam.