EMPLOYMENT OF CONVICTED PERSONS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry whether it is the policy of the government that convicted persons should be kept out of employment in the public sector (Government and statutory boards) regardless of the time that has intervened between the conviction and application for employment and, if there is a time after which they will be considered, what is the time.

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam: It is not the policy of the Government to keep convicted persons out of employment in the public sector. Generally, an enlightened policy is adopted towards convicted persons who apply for jobs. However, each case has to be considered on its individual merits. In considering for employment an applicant who has been convicted of a criminal offence, the Public Service Commission will, in consultation with Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, take into account the seriousness and nature of the offence as well as the likelihood of recidivism. This is necessary because civil servants, especially those in the higher Divisions, have access to sensitive information.