LEGISLATION REQUIRING ANNUAL RETURNS OF ASSETS AND INCOME BY CIVIL SERVANTS AND ASSEMBLYMEN

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether Government will consider introducing legislation requiring civil servants and Assemblymen to make annual returns to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau of all their assets and all their income from whatever source and wheresoever arising, and whether in trust or otherwise.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, Ministers of the Government have already on their appointment declared a return of all their assets and sources of income to the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. Parliamentary Secretaries have made similar returns to the Prime Minister. If the House desires, Government can introduce legislation to require all Members of the Assembly to submit a return of their assets and sources of income to the C.P.I.B.

As regards civil servants, there are already in existence regulations embodied in General Orders 152 and 153 and other relevant General Orders and circulars governing their conduct and personal activities.

Mr David Marshall: What are the mysterious General Orders 152 and 153 and do they provide for annual returns of assets?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, on appointment, civil servants will have to submit a return of their assets and sources of income. I think there are also wide powers given to the Public Prosecutor under the Prevention of Corruption Ordinance, No. 39 of 1960, more particularly under sections 17, 18 and 19, with regard to investigating and obtaining information of assets not only of civil servants but also of other persons should the circumstances so warrant.

Mr David Marshall: Are we then to understand that the precautionary measure of requiring by law annual returns of increments in income and assets in respect of civil servants and Assemblymen is not being considered by the Government?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: As I have already indicated earlier, if the House so desires, the Government can introduce legislation.

Mr David Marshall: For civil servants too?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: No.