More credible responses needed from S'pore firms accused of bribery abroad

RECENTLY, allegations have been made in media reports about the possible involvement of some Singapore companies in bribery scandals overseas. The responses from these companies typically include an immediate denial of the allegations, and an assertion that the company has zero tolerance for corruption and a code of conduct prohibiting bribery and corruption. In some cases where third parties are allegedly used, the companies have not denied using the third parties, but have stated that the third parties they use are bound by a code of conduct and an agreement to not pay bribes.

Such responses are not helpful for a number of reasons: First, every company will undoubtedl…