PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION (Withholding of staff salaries)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Prime Minister (a) whether the withholding of salary is a penalty the People's Association imposes on its staff and, if so, whether this contravenes the Employment Act: (b) from how many of its employees the Association has withheld salary for more than three days during the last three financial years; and (c) how many of them are married and if he is aware that the withholding of salary from such employees will lead them to borrow money to support their families.

The Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr Lee Khoon Choy) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, I assure the Member for Thomson that although the People's Association, like all statutory boards, is not bound by the Employment Act, its practices are in keeping with the principles of the Act.

Over the last three years, there were only three employees whose salaries were withheld. All three were facing disciplinary action for gross misconduct leading to the loss of public fund.

I am aware of the hardship suffered by them. However, staff committing offences of this nature should expect to suffer the consequences. They cannot rely on their marital status to plead for leniency.