In a parliamentary session on July 3, 2023, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean announced that public servants with access to government property leasing and valuation matters will now be required to declare any potential conflicts of interest before renting properties managed by their agencies. This initiative aims to uphold integrity within the public service, particularly in light of recent scrutiny regarding rental transactions involving high-ranking officials.

Teo indicated that the Public Service Division (PSD) would introduce a standard declaration requirement for specific officers who can influence decisions regarding government properties. This includes working with various ministries and statutory boards, such as the Housing and Development Board and the Singapore Land Authority, to ensure compliance with these new measures.

The importance of integrity is further underscored by the recent Ridout Road case involving Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. A report from the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) cleared both ministers of any wrongdoing regarding their rental of black-and-white bungalows. Teo emphasized that public officers must actively prevent conflicts of interest, which could undermine public trust.

Teo shared that the Prime Minister would also review the declarations required for property transactions involving ministers and People’s Action Party MPs. This move reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability within Singapore’s government, reinforcing that high ethical standards are paramount in maintaining public confidence.

In his comments, Teo reiterated the independence of the CPIB’s investigations, noting that it reports directly to the Prime Minister. He emphasized that the government takes allegations of corruption seriously, as seen in the thorough investigations conducted in this case, which aim to uphold Singapore’s reputation for incorruptibility.

The public service will use the Ridout Road case as a teaching example, highlighting the need for public officers to act with integrity and adhere to the principles outlined in their codes of conduct. By mandating declarations from public servants, the government aims to mitigate any risk of conflict of interest and ensure that all transactions are conducted transparently.

Ultimately, the measures announced by Teo demonstrate the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability in public service. As these changes are implemented, they will contribute to preserving the trust of the public in government operations and the principles of good governance in Singapore.