Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean also addressed a query on whether it was appropriate for him to head an independent review of the matter.
Ministry officers will have to declare access to privileged information before renting govt properties: SM TeoOn Monday, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked Mr Teo to comment on the code of conduct for ministers, and how the standards it spells out should be looked at in light of Mr Shanmugam’s case.
In terms of potential conflict of interest, Mr Teo said this happens when a conflicted person is in a position to make a decision but does not do so yet. “He no longer had any duty in this matter, and therefore that factor disappears. Once there is a recusal, no duty arises,” Mr Teo said, noting that lawyers had told him that disclosing potential conflict and recusing oneself from the decision-making process was the “best way” of dealing with it.
The state bungalows at 26 and 31 Ridout Road were rented to ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan. “As I said, there are perceptions, but once the actual conflict of interest and the potential conflict of interest have been removed, that should dispel the perception of conflict of interest in any fair-minded person,” he added.Associate Professor Jamus Lim asked Mr Shanmugam and Dr Balakrishnan whether, in hindsight, they took any actions that they now believe could be perceived as a conflict of interest.
“He is not in actual conflict. He is not asking them to charge him anything else, if not the prime minister will ask CPIB to look at it,” Mr Shanmugam said.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shanmugam refutes claim that he fled community event due to Ridout Road questions - Singapore NewsMr Shanmugam said he had to attend four events in Chong Pang.
Read more »
Watch live: Parliament debate on ministers' rental of Ridout Road bungalowsParliamentary questions have been filed on the two state properties rented by Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam.
Read more »
Live: Ridout Road bungalows parliamentary debate — speeches by MinistersIn Parliament today (July 3), the black and white bungalows at Ridout Road take the spotlight as four ministers deliver speeches on this topic.
Read more »
Ridout Road parliamentary debate: Shanmugam, Balakrishnan explain why they rented bungalows, undertook major renovation worksSINGAPORE — Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam had decided to rent the black-and-white bungalow at 26 Ridout Road as he was putting his family home up for sale, he told Parliament on Monday (July 3), adding that he was not making money from the arrangement.
Read more »
Shanmugam reveals why he moved from GCB to rental black-and-white house on Ridout RoadLaw and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam rented a state property at Ridout Road after deciding to put his Good Class Bungalow family home up for sale, Parliament heard on Monday (July 3). Speaking to Members of Parliament the 64-year-old also shared that he did not make any money while renting out his house to live in the black-and-white bungalow....
Read more »