Mr. Law concludes his report thus:-
“CONCLUSIONS
41. The C.P.I.B. Singapore has made considerable progress in the battle against corruption and has been in this connexion, undoubtedly more successful than its counterpart in Hong Kong.
42. The C.P.I.B. is no more energetic nor does it employ sophisticated techniques unknown to Hong Kong to achieve its results.
43. The main reasons for success appear to be as follows:
(a) The influence wielded by and the obdurate attitude of the Prime Minister towards corruption. (b) The general atmosphere of the newly emergent nation 'going it alone' which engenders a remarkable enthusiasm, sense of responsibility and loyalty in such a polyglot population.
(c) The realization by the bulk of the population, fostered by Government that they have a stake
in the future in which corruption has no place.
(d) The wide legal powers enjoyed by the C.P.I.B. in investigation and prosecution.
(e) The uncompromising attitude of the Judiciary towards corruption cases, their liberal inter-
pretation of the law as it stands there and the full use they make of the penalties provided. (ƒ) The realistic use which is made of the Disciplinary Rules to effect "Dismissals' 'Retirements
in the Public Interest' and 'Warnings'.
(g) The co-operation received by the C.P.I.B. from all strata of society in Singapore, particularly by Heads of Government Departments and the unique awe and respect with which the Bureau is regarded by the general public.
(h) An energetic C.P.I.B., full of enthusiasm for their task, which is entirely independent of other
Government Departments and enjoys the maximum of freedom to perform its tasks.
(i) A realistic attitude that corruption is a ‘dirty game' and 'dirty' or at least ‘unorthodox' methods
have to be employed to counter it.
44. Singapore has not wiped out corruption, it probably never will, but it undoubtedly has made a name for itself as the least corrupt nation in S.E. Asia with the possible exception of Communist China!
Sgd. (J. P. LAW),
Chief Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Branch.”
228. This report was written before the Prevention of Bribery Bill [now Cap. 201] was drafted and before it had some of its “teeth” drawn as a result of criticism in 1970—“teeth” which I am now recommending should be put back into it. But, perhaps, factors of far greater importance are:-
(1) A true "sense of belonging" in the hearts and minds of the people of Singapore;
(2) The tremendous personal influence exercised by the present Prime Minister;
(3) The fact that he and his Government do not suffer from the inhibiting effect of Colonial Regula-
tions; and
(4) Even if there is insufficient evidence for court action, if all concerned in the administration are satisfied that an officer is corrupt, he is not permitted to continue in the public service; he is com- pulsorily retired with or without his pension-depending on the circumstances.
229. It is obvious from the figures in the schedule to Mr. JONES' report that in Singapore comparative few cases proceed to conviction in court. He gives the following figures for 1967:—
Persons convicted Persons acquitted
12
3
Total
15
In addition, there were 20 cases pending court action. In Hong Kong in 1972 we have the following (paragraph 73 supra):-
Persons convicted 39
Persons acquitted
9
Total
48
I was not given the Singapore figures in respect of 1972.
45