STEPS TO ENHANCE ANTI-CORRUPTION EDUCATION (ESPECIALLY AMONGST SINGAPOREAN YOUTHS)
Recently, I officiated a Singapore citizenship ceremony at Bukit Batok CC. 121 new citizens, drawn from 9 countries of origin, received their citizenship certificates. When I spoke to some of them as to why they decided to plant roots in Singapore, one of the more frequent reasons provided is that Singapore is corrupt-free. These new citizens clearly recognize the value of our society being corrupt-free. To ensure that this anti-corruption ethos will be perpetual,
I asked the Prime Minister what upstream measures have been identified to ensure that Singaporeans will always reject corruption. Minister Chan Chun Sing replied on behalf of Prime Minister. My parliamentary question and his answer may be found below.
This year, CPIB, marks its 70th anniversary. In fact, it is the world’s oldest anti-corruption enforcement agency! I would like to take this opportunity to thank CPIB and its officers, past and present, for their contributions that directly led to Singapore’s enviable status as a country which is intolerant of corruption and where everyone knows that no one is above the law.
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Mr Murali Pillai asked the Prime Minister whether the CPIB has considered any steps to enhance anti-corruption education, especially among Singaporean youths, to ensure that Singaporeans across all generations will continue to reject corruption and strive to keep Singapore a corrupt-free society.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): Incorruptibility is an integral part of Singapore’s DNA. This national value was ingrained in our society by our founding fathers. Our system of clean governance, and the way we conduct our business honestly and with integrity are well-regarded internationally. We have been ranked in the top ten least corrupt countries since 1995 by Transparency International, and is the only Asian country that has achieved this accolade.
While the corruption situation in Singapore is firmly under control, we should never take this for granted. CPIB will continue to invest in capabilities to keep corruption at bay. We are also mindful that fighting corruption is not solely the responsibility of CPIB. CPIB needs the support of the community to combat corruption with zeal and tenacity, and without fear or favour.
To this end, CPIB has taken the fight upstream through targeted corruption prevention and education efforts with the community. CPIB’s work in preventive education covers a full spectrum, from those meant for the general public, to those aimed at private sector companies and employees, as well as public officers and students. Thereare specific corruption prevention initiatives targeted at younger Singaporeans from different age groups. These included picture books and animated video series designed for pre-schoolers to emphasise important values like honesty and integrity, an Anti-Corruption Badge Programme for Uniformed Groups such as the National Police Cadet Corps, an Anti-Corruption Web Game and e-Book for teenagers to learn about the serious consequences of corruption.
These preventive education resources were co-created with youths including students from St Joseph’s Institution, Nanyang Polytechnic and Yale-NUS College to leverage their insights on what may interest younger Singaporeans as well as promote greater ownership amongst our youths. CPIB will continue to work with schools and the community, including the media, to enhance the relevance and reach of its corruption prevention work to ensure that corruption in Singapore is kept at bay.
Finally, members would be aware that CPIB is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. This is a significant milestone. May I ask members to join me in acknowledging the good work and devotion to duty of CPIB officers, both past and present, in keeping Singapore clean and corruption-free. Thank you.
