Consider new safeguards to keep Singapore free of corruption

TO SAY Singaporeans were shocked is an understatement. For nearly two weeks, there seemed to be no lack of headline-grabbing revelations: from a high-level graft probe involving a minister and a billionaire, to not just one but two extramarital affairs involving Members of Parliament from both the ruling and opposition parties. These came soon after two other ministers were cleared of wrongdoing in their renting of state property for personal use.

Interest in the extramarital affairs is understandably high, and both the ruling People’s Action Party and opposition Workers’ Party have lost key party members consequently. Yet this should not distract the public from ongoing investigations by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

While opinions differ on whether an individual’s personal indiscretion should have professional implications, corruption is more than just a moral failing: it is a disservice to the nation and the public servants who have worked hard to maintain Singapore’s squeaky clean image over the decades.