COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION (Statement by the Chief Minister)

The Chief Minister (Mr Lim Yew Hock): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am pleased to announce that the Government has decided to appoint a Commission of Inquiry into allegations of corruption with some such terms of references:

To inquire into allegations, however made, imputing corruption to Members of the Legislative Assembly or of the public service, or to members or employees of the City Council or other statutory bodies in Singapore.

To examine the justification for such allegations, and to report on the foregoing matters, and to make recommendations.

The Commission will be headed by a Judge, Sir, with two leading members of the public. Their appointment will be made as soon as the persons approached have accepted our invitation to serve on the Commission.

Mr Marshall (Cairnhill): On a point of order, Mr Speaker, Sir. Is it proper to anticipate a debate on a motion before the House today by making this statement, although I must say that I am very gratified that the Government has seen fit to accept the motion in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Changi?

Mr Speaker: The statement by the Chief Minister is perfectly in order. He has made his statement and it is up to the hon. Member to pursue his own course of action when the relevant item arises.