September 19, 2012
My Mission is to establish a Clean and Efficient Government–LKY
In a region where corruption is endemic, Singapore has remained clean. From 1959 when the PAP first formed the government, we have stamped out corruption. The challenge is to keep corruption free. We have to rid our society of greed, corruption and decadence.
When I became Prime Minister in 1959, my mission was to establish a clean and efficient Government against the backdrop of a corruption-ridden region. We set up systems and processes to ensure that every dollar in revenue was properly accounted for: we sharpened the instruments that could prevent, detect and deter instances where discretionary powers could be abused. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), which was under my care, has succeeded in keeping the country clean.
The CPIB was established by the British in 1952 to tackle the increasing corruption. However, little was done because the CPIB lacked the necessary resources and legal powers. When I took over in 1959, I strengthened the laws and the organisation of CPIB.
We tightened the law on corruption. Wealth disproportionate to a person’s earnings would serve as corroborative evidence when a person is charged for corruption. The CPIB was placed directly under the Prime Minister. And if the Prime Minister were to refuse giving his consent for the CPIB to make any inquiries or to carry out any investigations into any person including the Prime Minister himself, the Director CPIB can seek the concurrence of the President to carry on with the investigations. In other words, nobody is exempt.
Over the years, Singapore has established an effective anti-corruption framework. Leaders must be above suspicion. They must insist on the same high standards of probity of their fellow ministers and of the officials working for them. We do not tolerate corruption.
CPIB has since developed a formidable reputation for its thorough and fearless investigations. The bureau has successfully dealt with a number of corrupt senior government officials including Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior civil servants and prominent businessmen. This is testament to CPIB’s independence. The bureau can discharge its duties in a swift and sure, but firm and fair manner.
The most dramatic case was that of Teh Cheang Wan, then Minister for National Development. In November 1986, he was investigated by the CPIB for accepting two bribes totalling US$1 million (RM3 million). In one case, it was to allow a development company to retain part of its land, which had been earmarked for compulsory government acquisition, and in the other to assist a developer in the purchase of state land for private development. These bribes had taken place in 1981 and 1982.
Teh denied receiving the money and tried to bargain with the Ssenior Assistant Director of the CPIB for the case not to be pursued. He had offered to pay back SG$800,000 in exchange for immunity. The Cabinet Secretary reported this and said Teh had asked to see me. I replied that I could not until the investigations were over as I could become a witness. A week later, on the morning of December 15, 1986, my security officer reported that Teh had died and left me a letter:
Prime Minister,
I have been feeling very sad and depressed for the last two weeks. I feel responsible for the occurrence of this unfortunate incident and I feel I should accept full responsibility. As an honourable oriental gentleman, I feel it is only right that I should pay the highest penalty for my mistake.
Yours faithfully,
Teh Cheang Wan
CPIB has been and is a tenacious and effective instrument against corruption. The bureau and its officers have contributed to Singapore’s standing, giving confidence to investors that has led to our progress and prosperity.
We must remain vigilant and ensure that Singapore continues to be regarded as one of the least corrupt nations in the world, with a clean public service and businesses that abhor corruption. — TR Emeritus
* Former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, who was Singapore’s first Prime Minister, wrote a preface for the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau 60th Anniversary commemorative coffee table book. http://www.malaysianinsider.com
“We do not tolerate corruption”, says LKY . That is why Transparency International ranks Singapore among the least corrupt in the world along with Norway and others. But here in Malaysia, we protect the corrupt. And see the difference.
I expect Ilham and his friends to disagree. They will say that I should live in Singapore since I like what Singapore does when it comes to governance. I wish I could but I am here to stay in Malaysia to speak up. –Din Merican
Well spoken, Mr Din Merican.
“We tightened the law on corruption. Wealth disproportionate to a person’s earnings would serve as corroborative evidence when a person is charged for corruption”.
It not only corroborates, it is prima facie evidence of corruption. But in Malaysia, it is all about the power of public office and its spoils. It is seen as a legitmate trade-off between a life time committment to public office and the spoils that come with it. The nexus is one that is self-perpetuating and one that has to be broken.
Alas, the Grand has spoken. True enough the record had stood for 47 years now. Who dares? Their motto “Swift & Sure”
Swift Action & Sure Catch.
Though many don’t like it, I will say I’m a fan of him and have read a number of books on him. (please note that not all his policies i agree to) Not only his anti corruption manner is admirable, but his take on social engineering and his determination in pursuing what he think is right and the pursuit of a common identity should be noted.
If we are serious about corruption eradication we should learn from Singapore – it is not too late to start consulting our counterparts just across the causeway. Why the need to go to Hongkong and then not even implement what the Hongkongers practise?
Now back to Mamak Kutty,please say something with regards to your favourite politician politically correct statement.oouch!!!!
Can you train cat not to eat fish? If top of the pillar is slanted,how do you expect the rest to be straight?
Training and retraining are just for show,those who try to do their duty get knock off !
Sad to say corruption is now endemic in Malaysia. Sinagpore has moved forward and we have moved backward. Why? Are they any smarter than us? No. But we have allowed the situation to deteriorate. Even as late as two months ago they still catch the head of Civil Defence and the Director of Narcotic bureau. You can never wipe it out completely but you canfrighten the devil out of them.
Mahathir started his PM terms to address the corruption problem but soon was overwhelmed by the amount of money that he was happy to be part of the system.
Its leadership with the political will and the stamina to address this issue. As the saying “the fish rots from the head”
If we start now it will take us another 5 – 8 years to wipe it out. Indonesian President is having a tough time but making progress.
Malaysia hide anything under the sky when it comes to wrong doing. Rule of thumb like, “you scratch my back I scratches yours”, “win win”, “what is in for me”, “monkey see monkey”, etc. are commons among the elite and civil sectors of our society.
It’s like a culture now. One former minister even decried that she works hard for it thus whatever her family does, even wrong doing, they deserved it.
We are living by examples. Most of our elected reps do it so must be the followers. Thus our coming generation will carries the norms that they deserves it too. So the circle continued.
Elections requires money. After got elected its time to recoup ready for the next election. So the circle again continued. So you see, our politicians are not about the people. It’s all about wealth that is why all our institutions are so screwed up.
To many, including myself, Malaysia has no hope. These cultures will pass on to the new government. But it is a start. Malaysian now will learn that government can be changed with their votes. The voters will be the element of change.
So, the future of Malaysia and Malaysian rest upon the voters. How patient they are to refine the government that emulate those of successful nations.
What corruption are you talking about? There’s no corruption in Malaysia. It’s just the way we do business in Malaysia, money will get you everything. Everything and everyone has a price. If you don’t like corruption then go away. Don’t you guys get it MACC, the last C stands for commission, 10%, 20%
if we all agree thet we must be corrupt free then strt investigating where all the monies are even if it takes years. Then freeze all accounts. Go on I dare you too, M’sia.
RM28 billion lost a year thorugh corruption and leakages… kaya betul Malaysia ni….
Eh Greenbug, mestilah. Baru tahu ke?
Well spoken mr Merican!
Our laws are equal if not better than Singaore. It’s the implementation that differs, vastly. That’s because the LKY has the political will to reduce, if not wipe out corruption, unlike in Malaysia.
Well Prime Minster Lee implies in his booK that Singapore is what it is today because of Malaysia