Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Complaints to SAF Hotline in Last Five Years and Investigations Resulting in Disciplinary Actions

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Defence in the last five years (a) what is the number of complaints made to the SAF Hotline; (b) of which, how many of such calls were made by (i) Full-Time National Servicemen and (ii) Regulars, respectively; and (c) how many of these calls resulted in an investigation where an officer or sergeant was penalised.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: The NS Call Centre hotline is one of the feedback channels in the SAF. Over the last five years, the hotline received a total of 2,326 complaints.  About 30% of these complaints were made by Full-Time National Servicemen and 10% were made by SAF Regulars. Most of the complaints are about administration matters and unit management issues. A small number are on alleged misconduct.

The complaints are taken seriously. They will be investigated, with appropriate actions taken where warranted. Specifically on disciplinary actions, two sergeants and one officer were disciplined arising from complaints received through the NS Call Centre hotline over the past five years.