Singapore’s leader has vowed to punish corrupt officials, no matter how senior, following several high-profile cases including three sex-for-favour scandals that have embarrassed a nation widely praised for its integrity.
“Anyone who breaks the rules will be caught and punished. No cover-up will be allowed, no matter how senior the officer or how embarrassing it may be,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a speech late on Tuesday.
Lee’s comments reflect a concern in the government that its reputation as one of the least corrupt nations in the world may be tarnished because of the alarming slew of cases this year. They include two senior bureaucrats who are accused of obtaining sex from women executives of companies that supplied computer technology services and goods to their organisations.
“It’s far better to suffer the embarrassment and keep the system clean for the long-term, than to pretend that nothing has gone wrong and to let the rot spread,” Lee said.
Although Singapore imposes tough penalties for corruption – five-year jail term and up to S$100,000 (US$80,000) fine – Lee said these alone were not enough to stop individuals from trying to profit from their position.
Instilling public officers and government officials with right values was as important because “no system can completely stop a determined cheat,” Lee said in the speech to mark the 60th anniversary of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau.