Eight debarment cases due to corruption involving public officers & contracts

There have been eight debarment cases on grounds of corruption involving public officers and government contracts, since 2004.

Revealing the figures in a written reply to Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said in all these cases, the individuals involved, including the public officers were convicted.

The companies and businesses involved were also debarred for a period of five years.

The debarment is also extended to companies which convicted individuals serve as directors, partners or sole proprietors.

Mr Tharman said if the contractor is found to have offered bribes in relation to an existing contract, the government agency can terminate the said contract.

Where contracts have yet to be awarded, debarred contractors will not be awarded new contracts.

Public officers who are alleged to be involved in corruption cases can be suspended from all duties once investigations start.

If such officers are involved in the evaluation or approval process, government agencies may suspend further action on a tender or (decide on a no award and) re-call the tender.