Teo Chee Hean wraps up debate on rentals of state properties
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has investigated the rentals of state properties by ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan thoroughly, interviewed all relevant parties including the ministers and their spouses, and concluded that there was no corruption or criminal wrongdoing. The Attorney-General’s Chambers has reviewed the investigation papers and agreed with CPIB’s findings. There is no offence and no further action is needed. The CPIB case is closed. There was proper declaration and conduct by all persons involved to avoid conflicts of interest. There was also no abuse of power and no access to privileged information. The persons involved in the rental of the properties at 26 and 31 Ridout Road understood their responsibility to act with integrity and they did so. This is a credit to officers and the system as a whole. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean said this as he wrapped up the debate in Parliament on Monday (Jul 3) on the rentals of state properties. He said Members asked for many clarifications, and he and his colleagues have answered all of them. A fair-minded person will come to the conclusion that there is no basis for a perceived conflict of interest, said Mr Teo. He noted a number of useful points raised on the management of state properties and land, in particular of black-and-white bungalows. Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong has addressed these points and will also be looking into improving the optimisation and use of state land, in particular those which are not yet slated for redevelopment, he said. Turning to the need to uphold integrity and incorruptibility, Mr Teo said the review reaffirms Singapore’s collective belief in the importance of a clean Government and for those in Public Service to act with integrity. “We have come to Parliament to present the findings, and we have answered the many questions and clarifications sought,” he said. Another takeaway from the debate is the broader point of how to uplift all citizens, said Mr Teo. He said the Government is definitely dedicated to building an inclusive and progressive society. Mr Teo stressed the need for good governance and good politics. He said the biggest challenge is to continue to bring in the best team to do the best for Singapore and Singaporeans. “And I am glad today that in this House, we have agreed to focus on the facts and the truth, not just on wild allegations or rumours or perceptions, but focus on the facts and the truth. And this is important so that we can build a system with a strong foundation which will help to bring in good people to continue to serve in Government to take Singapore further forward,” he said.
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has investigated the rentals of state properties by ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan thoroughly, interviewed all relevant parties including the ministers and their spouses, and concluded that there was no corruption or criminal wrongdoing. The Attorney-General’s Chambers has reviewed the investigation papers and agreed with CPIB’s findings. There is no offence and no further action is needed. The CPIB case is closed. There was proper declaration and conduct by all persons involved to avoid conflicts of interest. There was also no abuse of power and no access to privileged information. The persons involved in the rental of the properties at 26 and 31 Ridout Road understood their responsibility to act with integrity and they did so. This is a credit to officers and the system as a whole. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean said this as he wrapped up the debate in Parliament on Monday (Jul 3) on the rentals of state properties. He said Members asked for many clarifications, and he and his colleagues have answered all of them. A fair-minded person will come to the conclusion that there is no basis for a perceived conflict of interest, said Mr Teo. He noted a number of useful points raised on the management of state properties and land, in particular of black-and-white bungalows. Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong has addressed these points and will also be looking into improving the optimisation and use of state land, in particular those which are not yet slated for redevelopment, he said. Turning to the need to uphold integrity and incorruptibility, Mr Teo said the review reaffirms Singapore’s collective belief in the importance of a clean Government and for those in Public Service to act with integrity. “We have come to Parliament to present the findings, and we have answered the many questions and clarifications sought,” he said. Another takeaway from the debate is the broader point of how to uplift all citizens, said Mr Teo. He said the Government is definitely dedicated to building an inclusive and progressive society. Mr Teo stressed the need for good governance and good politics. He said the biggest challenge is to continue to bring in the best team to do the best for Singapore and Singaporeans. “And I am glad today that in this House, we have agreed to focus on the facts and the truth, not just on wild allegations or rumours or perceptions, but focus on the facts and the truth. And this is important so that we can build a system with a strong foundation which will help to bring in good people to continue to serve in Government to take Singapore further forward,” he said.
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