Singapore Government Statement in Response to Transparency International's Government Defence Anti-Corruption Index Report

Singapore's Anti-Corruption Framework,Singapore's anti-corruption framework relies on rule of law which includes strong and effective laws, independent judiciary, and vigorous enforcement. The Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) was enacted in 1960 and is the core legal framework for dealing with corruption offences. One of the key features of the PCA is the strict application of the law to both the private and public sectors. Punishment for corruption offences carries a strong deterrent effect. A single corruption charge can incur a maximum fine of S$100,000 or an imprisonment term not exceeding 7 years; or both.

An additional penalty equivalent to the amount of bribes taken may also be imposed. Alongside statutory measures dealing with corrupt offenders, the Singapore Government adopts a responsive approach by providing an effective and efficient public administration that meets the public interest and nation’s needs. At the same time, a functionally independent anti-corruption agency, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), effectively acts without fear or favour. CPIB has the mandate to investigate all corruption offences (as well as other criminal cases in which corruption may be involved) in both the public and private sectors as well as to spearhead anti-corruption efforts.,Singapore's Defence Expenditure,The Singapore Government’s budget, including the Ministry of Defence’s (MINDEF) total defence budget, is approved by Parliament every year.

Singapore does not publicise the details of our defence and security expenditures, to prevent compromising our security. By their very nature, defence procurement and spending are not normally the subjects of public discussion.,MINDEF is always mindful of our responsibility to spend wisely, and buy carefully. We have rigorous checks to ensure that monies allocated to MINDEF are well spent. At the broad level, long-term force development plans are drawn up to map requirements to resources available. Each individual acquisition programme is then carefully scrutinised to evaluate the available options and decide on the most cost-effective solutions. MINDEF only buys what we need.,MINDEF's Position on Corruption,MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have a zero tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption.

All suspected cases of bribery or corruption will be referred to the CPIB, an independent law enforcement agency that reports directly to the Prime Minister’s Office, for investigation and follow-up actions by the Bureau. Servicemen who have been convicted of bribery or corruption will be discharged from service in addition to the punishment meted out by the courts.,MINDEF adopts a number of initiatives to address and prevent corruption within the Ministry. These include regular security vetting of officers, the conduct of seminars on professional ethics and corruption-related topics, regular internal audits for MINDEF departments at all levels of management, as well as reviews of financial procedures and anti-corruption measures.,MINDEF's Internal Audit Department (IAD) is the department directly under the Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) that is responsible for the audit checks. IAD's audit activities are devised to comply with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing set by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). IAD is also a corporate member of the IIA.,In addition to the audits conducted by our IAD, MINDEF is also independently audited by the Auditor-General of Singapore.

The Auditor-General, who is appointed by the President of Singapore, submits an annual report to the President and Parliament on the proper accounting of public monies and use of public resources. This annual report is also made available to the public.,There are also internal general orders and directives which bind all military and civilian personnel within MINDEF/SAF that stipulate, in detail, guidelines dealing with, inter alia, the relationship between service personnel and MINDEF/SAF contractors, solicitation by service personnel from MINDEF/SAF contractors, as well as the acceptance of gifts, hospitality and invitations by service personnel from the public, other agencies as well as foreign Governments.,Defence Procurement,Defence procurement in Singapore is governed by the Government's rules on public sector procurement. These rules which are documented in the Government Instruction Manual on Procurement are based on the principles of competition, transparency, fairness and value for money.,Within the government, there is clear segregation of duties in the procurement process to avoid conflict of interests.

For instance, officers evaluating bids do not make tender award decisions. Tender award decisions for procurement beyond $80,000 in value are made by Tenders Boards made up of three senior and competent Ministry officers, none of whom are from the end-user organisation - the Singapore Armed Forces. All government officers involved in any stage of the procurement process are required to declare conflict of interests. MINDEF also segregates the procurement and payment duties for all transactions made.,Conclusion,MINDEF is prudent in managing the resources allocated to defence and ensures that every defence dollar is spent wisely. MINDEF is also committed to upholding Singapore’s reputation as a country that is clean, honest and trustworthy, and one which emphasises the highest levels of integrity and incorruptibility. MINDEF has a zero tolerance policy on corruption.