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Early release of information would jeopardise investigations: DPM

The investigations into two high-ranking senior civil servants were not disclosed earlier to the public as it would jeopardise the process, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, DPM Teo, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, said that “there was no delay” in the release of information regarding the probe by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

Said Teo: “It was premature to make any announcement as CPIB was in the midst of their investigations and the outcome was not known.”

He added that it was necessary to give CPIB time to gather evidence and conduct more investigations before deciding in further action was needed.

The investigations were only made public one day after it was reported by Lianhe Wanbao, a Chinese evening daily.

Teo also responded to concerns that the two civil servants, former chiefs of Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Peter Lim and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) Ng Boon Gay, might have swayed the investigation process as they were not suspended until their arrest.

He said that the two ex-chiefs involved in the probe were put on leave on the day CPIB arrested them, which occurred in 19 December last year for Ng and 4 January this year for Lim. Both were released on bail to secure their attendance for further investigations.

Teo said that the two men were not able to return to their office or resume their duties following the arrest, and therefore would not be able to influence the probe.

Both men are currently assisting the CPIB with investigations over allegations of “serious personal misconduct”.

Teo added that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is currently looking into any leaks to the media, reported Channel NewsAsia.

Teo revealed that 59 cases of improper conduct were reported for uniformed officers over the last five years, with 44 reports made anonymously. Eight out of the 15 which were not anonymous were against a superior officer.

However, he stressed that the CPIB investigations and the recent probe into allegations public servants being involved in vice activities highlighted the commitment and integrity of civil servants.

“It is disappointing that these cases have occurred. However, as both cases have shown, any allegation of misconduct against public officers is investigated fully, regardless of the position or seniority of the officers involved,” said Teo.