NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION (Status of investigations of former CEO)

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NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION:

(Status of investigations of former CEO): 8.

Mr Steve Chia Kiah Hong asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) when will the investigations of the former CEO and his staff over matters related to the NKF scandal be fully completed; and (b) if charges will be brought against the former CEO and any of his staff.

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The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) commenced investigation into the affairs of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) on 18th August last year. Soon after, other agencies including the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and the Ministry of Manpower also commenced simultaneous investigations into the affairs of NKF. These agencies are currently at different stages of investigations. They are also in consultation with the Attorney-General's Chambers on issues relating to their respective investigations. As the case has many complex details which must be thoroughly examined, it is difficult to say exactly when investigations into the case will be fully completed.

As investigations into the case are still ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment on whether charges will be made out at this juncture.

Mr Steve Chia Kiah Hong: Sir, I would like to clarify with the Senior Minister of State. Does it mean that at this moment, the Government or the Ministry has not been able to find any charges against the former CEO and the Board for misleading the public?

Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Sir, as I have said, since investigations are ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment on this at this point in time.