SINGAPORE, Aug 7 — Singapore said it will replace the head of its anti-corruption agency to help maintain trust after an assistant director was charged with misappropriation.
Eric Tan will be replaced as director of the Corruption Practices Investigation Bureau when his term ends September 30, according to a statement yesterday from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s Office.
Supervisory lapses under Tan and former anti-graft chief Soh Kee Hean resulted in deficiencies in financial controls, according to the statement. Both Tan and Soh have been issued formal warning letters and have accepted responsibility, Lee’s office said.
Singapore vowed to take “strong measures” after Edwin Yeo was charged last month with fraud and corruption over the misappropriation of S$1.7 million (RM4.36 million). Lee ordered a government panel to probe the case and tighten financial controls.
The anti-corruption agency didn’t immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment.
Wong Hong Kuan, Chief Executive of the Singapore Workforce Development will join the anti-corruption bureau as director designate on September 1. Wong was a former deputy police commissioner until 2010.
The criminal case is Public Prosecutor v Yeo Seow Hiong Edwin. DAC028332-DAC028352/2013. Singapore Subordinate Courts. — Bloomberg
