A review of the Prevention of Corruption Act and a new One-Stop Corruption Reporting Centre are in the works to enhance the republic’s fight against corruption, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong this morning (Jan 13).
Speaking to some 600 public servants at today’s conference on integrity as a public service value, he said: “The trust that Singaporeans have in the public service as an institution, and each one of you individually, is critical… Overall, our system is clean and maintains high standards. But we must keep working at them… We must maintain our zero tolerance for corruption, regardless of the rank and seniority of the officers involved.”
Faced with increasing transnational challenges, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) is currently reviewing the Prevention of Corruption Act with the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The Bureau’s manpower will also be increased by more than 20 per cent.
Calling Singapore the “shining exception” amid countries like the US and China, where corruption is a problem, Mr Lee called for members of the public to play their part in maintaining the public service’s “zero tolerance for corruption”.
To increase public engagement, so that more can play a part in the fight against corruption, a One-Stop Corruption Centre will be set up so that complaints can be made more discreetly and in a more accessible manner, said the Prime Minister.
The centre will likely be set up in the central area and be open during office hours. It will be accompanied by a heritage gallery.
Currently, whistle-blowers can make complaints by calling the CPIB’s 24-hour hotline or by walking in to the Bureau.
Source: www.todayonline.com
