SINGAPORE — The number of corruption or cheating cases involving public officers has remained low and “fairly stable” over the past five years, a study by the Government has found. Earlier this year, a team led by then Deputy Secretary (Home Affairs), Mr Tai Wei Shyong, analysed cases involving officers investigated by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) between 2008 and 2012. It was found that about 50 per cent of the annual average of 39 cases where officers were subjected to prosecution or departmental disciplinary proceedings were from enforcement units such as the Home Team, Housing and Development Board, National Environment Agency, Ministry of Manpower and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. For those who received gratification or reward for their offences, 65 per cent was found to receive solely money while the rest were rewarded with gifts (12 per cent), sexual favours (6 per cent) and a combination of both (5 per cent). About 40 per cent of those who received money gratification involved sums of less that S$1,000 and those involving sums of between S$1,001 and S$30,000 registered 16 per cent. It was also found that letting an offender off or showing “unwarranted leniency” was the most common act by public officers investigated under the Prevention of Corruption Act at 53 per cent. It is followed by unauthorised provision of service and information at 21 per cent and providing favourable treatment in employment or business opportunities at 15 per cent. Following the release of the study, Mr Peter Ong, Head of Civil Service issued a letter today to all public officers reminding them to be “watchful” as the guardians of trust that was given to them by Singaporeans and uphold it. He also stressed the important role of leaders in the service. “Any misdeeds by leaders will have a disproportionate impact on reputation, trust and confidence placed in us,” he said. “The fact that senior officers have been charged in the courts for corruption and other financial crimes is a matter of concern, but it also underscores our deep resolve and commitment to bring all wrongdoers to justice and uphold integrity in the Public Service at all levels. We will not hesitate to take action against a corrupt officer, no matter how senior he or she might be.” The Public Service Division will review if tighter rules with regard to visiting casinos should be put in place for the Public Service, especially those who work in areas where potential conflict of interest may arise or where there is a high risk of them becoming susceptible to being exploited if they fall into financial embarrassment.