Singaporeans had the impression over the years to think that we have a corruption free government. Recent events should make us re-examine this belief.
Here are some worrisome facts.
a) NParks purchased the Brompton bikes at 5 to 10 times of the cost of suitable alternatives. They are found to be "in compliance" with the standing procedures.
b) Two senior civil servants were charged for corrupt practices in the sex-for-favors trials.
c) We are spending staggering sums for infrastructure projects, e.g. Thomson Line, Marine Coastal Highway, Gardens by the Bay, River in Bishan. We did not get much details of these projects in the mainstream media lately.
In the past, we can be sure that the Auditor General would keep a close eye on these matters. But, in recent years, I do not seem to hear about issues raised by them. (I could be mistaken).
Do we have people who are capable of auditing these large expenditures to ensure that they are "value for money" and not just "in compiance" with standard procedures. We are talking about staggering sums of money.
No such thing as a corruption free Govt in this world, every citizen knows too well at heart, it's just the threshold level of acceptance, within reasonable limit, we rather close one eye, giving the other party the benefit of the doubt, and move on. A reality of life in Singapore for "lesser mortals", with no power and dough, no say.
ReplyDeleteThere is actually a "Value-for-Money" team in the government.
ReplyDeletehttp://app.sgdi.gov.sg/listing_expand.asp?agency_subtype=dept&agency_id=0000002049. Search for Value For Money(VFM) Reviews.
Corruption free? Less corruption or less reported corrution maybe, no?
ReplyDeleteAs justified by tbe ruling party, the beyond world-class salary and bonus that our political leaders and the Civil Service get is to stamp out bribery.
What to me is not cricket, is the self interest push for higher GDP to justify better bonus .
The better GDP ultimately do not seem to help the lower income and some claim, even the middle income.