Singapore Responded After The Economist Alleged CPIB Can’t be Independent

It is old news that Singapore has been hit by several scandals involving our local politicians.

From colonial bungalow rentals by two prominent ministers to investigations into corruption to love affairs, Singapore has more in the sordid affairs department this year than it has since its independence in 1965.

Given Singapore’s legacy of having a clean and efficient government, it is no wonder that other countries have also begun paying attention to the news on this small island.

In particular, The Economist recently published an article about the investigations involving Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

As the allegations were not flattering, Singapore has officially responded through its High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Here is what happened.

The Economist Article Alleges That the CPIB Is Not Independent

On 27 July 2023, the British weekly newspaper, The Economist, published an article titled A Slew Of Scandals Puts Singapore’s Government On The Back Foot.

For those unaware, The Economist is a paper focused on current affairs, international business, politics, technology, and culture.

The article is behind a paywall, so you may not be able to read it without a subscription.

But no matter as we are here to provide you with the key points which warranted a response from Singapore.

The touchy point the article mentioned was the ongoing probe into Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran by the CPIB.

The probe has been public news since about a month ago.

In the article, The Economist alleged that CPIB could not be fully independent as it reports to our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who appoints its head.

This is a serious allegation as it brings into question the investigations’ impartiality and the possibility that those with connections may be able to get off scot-free despite their wrongdoings.

Singapore Refutes That “Serious Charge” Made in a Letter From the High Commissioner

As expected, Singapore could not sit still given this “serious charge”.

A letter from Singapore’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Lim Thuan Kuan, called The Economist’s description of the issue a “misrepresentation” of CPIB’s processes as it does not require the Prime Minister’s permission for its investigations.

It was further clarified that PM Lee’s “concurrence” was sought as the investigations involved a Cabinet Minister.

PM Lee also swiftly approved within “a day of receiving the Director of CPIB’s report”.

The letter also referenced Singapore’s “consistently” high rank in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. It reiterated that Singapore is committed to “investigate any case of corruption, no matter whom it involves, thoroughly and transparently”.