Guidelines on Volunteering at Meet-the-People Sessions for Civil Servants and Statutory Board Officers

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether volunteering at a Meet-the-People Session is a political activity under the rules for public officers, as MOE treats students' attendance as exposure to community issues; (b) whether officers of the Civil Service and statutory boards may volunteer at any Member's session regardless of party without seeking permission; and (c) whether the Public Service Division will inform officers accordingly in writing.

Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): The Public Service is politically impartial.

Public officers are expected to uphold this impartiality in activities they undertake outside their official duties.

In considering whether to take part in outside activities, including Meet-the-People Sessions, public officers should avoid situations where their involvement could raise questions about the political impartiality of the Public Service or give rise to the perception that their official position or public resources are being used for political purposes.

Officers who are unsure how these principles apply to their specific circumstances can seek guidance from their agencies.