Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) President Hassan Luthfee has stated that the ACC did not have the same mandate or powers as that of the Anti-Corruption Board that was formed in 1991 under the President’s Office.
He made the statement speaking in the ceremony held to mark the National Anti-Corruption Day held in Fuvahmulah.
Luthfee said that the Board had the mandate and powers to investigate the funding sources and personal wealth if individuals. He said that mandate and power had not been granted to ACC.
“Even today, ACC is working with many challenges, without adequate number of employees. We don’t have space to house those employees. There are so many challenges to investigate on personal wealth. We are working to our maximum,” he said.
Luthfee said that even though the Commission had investigated over 800 cases, only 21 were sent to PG for prosecution, noting that this was a key concern for many. He further said that the Commission did not have the power to investigate criminal elements linked to corruption or the power to conduct a full investigation.
He stressed that combating corruption was not just the responsibility of one person or Commission but rather a unified effort of the entire nation. Luthfee added that corruptive elements can be removed only by eliminating the issues within the Government, noting that it needs support and laws.
Luthfee said that before Singapore became Singapore, the nation had huge issues with corruption. He said strong decisions against corruption had been strategically used by the Government, which in turn had resulted in the country becoming a country with the lowest corruption score globally. He cited that awareness and policy implementation was key in Singapore’s success.
ACC doesn’t have Anti-Corruption Board mandate: ACC
