ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE:

(Resignations):

* 1. *Mr Siew Kum Hong asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance for each of the years from 2004 to 2006 (a) how many officers resigned from the Administrative Service and what resignation rate did that represent; (b) of these resignations, how many Administrative Officers cited higher pay in a new job as the main reason or one of the main reasons; and (c) how many Administrative Officers were asked to resign for reasons related to non-performance.

The Minister for Defence (Mr Teo Chee Hean) (for the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of Administrative Officers who resigned from the Administrative Service in 2004, 2005 and 2006 were four, 10 and seven respectively. This corresponds to the resignation rates of 2%, 4% and 3% respectively. If we include Management Associates, who are the officers being tested for suitability for the Administrative Service, the resignation numbers are larger, but, of course, the base is larger as well. The total number of Administrative Officers and Management Associates who resigned in 2004, 2005 and 2006 were four, 14 and 12 respectively. This corresponds to the resignation rates of 1%, 4% and 3% respectively.

Administrative Officers leave the Service for various reasons, and we may often not be able to ascertain exactly the real reasons for their departure. Some indicated that they would like to further their studies while others want to have a change of career. Some of those who leave for jobs in the private sector enjoy a pay increase in their new jobs.

The Administrative Service has very stringent retention standards. Officers are appraised annually and are expected to have the potential to hold at least Deputy Secretary or CEO level jobs. Those who do not meet the mark are asked to leave the Service but they could remain in other schemes in the Civil Service if they wish and if there are suitable jobs for them. Over the last three years, a total of 13 Administrative Officers left the Service on such grounds, ie, they were managed out of the Service. Of these, eight officers left the Public Service. The other five transferred to join other schemes within the Public Service where they continue to contribute to the public service.

Mr Siew Kum Hong (Nominated Member): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would just like to ask the Minister how many Administrative Officers are there in grades MR4 and above between SR9 and MR4 and on Timescales.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Sir, I do not carry the numbers in my head. If the Member could submit a Question, I would be happy to answer it.