CIVIL SERVANTS (Disciplinary proceedings for indebtedness)

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim asked the Minister for Finance against how many civil servants were disciplinary proceedings taken for indebtedness during the first ten months of 1971; how many more cases of indebtedness are under investigation; and what disciplinary action has been and will be taken against civil servants who have resorted to borrowing money from moneylenders and finance companies.

Mr Tang See Chim (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Govindasamy, Sir, between 1st January, 1971. and 31st October, 1971, a total of 98 officers were reported to the Public Service Commission for disciplinary action on account of indebtedness. Of these cases, 35 are still under investigation. The penalties imposed in respect of the 63 completed cases are as follows: Not proceeded against 5 Office deemed vacated 4 Dismissed 1 Retired 3 Rank reduced 2 Pecuniary penalty 21 Reprimanded or warned 27 -- Total 63 ==

Under the present regulations, an officer is liable to disciplinary action with a view to dismissal if he is found to be indebted in any way. The ultimate penalty of dismissal is inflicted in cases where, in addition to the indebtedness, the officer's work and conduct are not altogether satisfactory or where the officer is a known habitual borrower. In all other cases, the penalty imposed depends upon the circumstances in which the debts are incurred, the amount of the debt and the officer's record of work and conduct.