Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong ordered a review after questions were raised in parliament and on social media about colonial homes rented by two of his cabinet ministers.
Lee said Tuesday that he’s asked Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean to lead a inquiry into the issue of the residences rented by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Law Minister K Shanmugam.
The review will determine “whether proper processes have been followed, and if there has been any wrongdoing,” Lee said in a statement. “This must be done to ensure that this government maintains the highest standards of integrity.”
The reports should be completed and ready for presentation at the next sitting of parliament in July, Lee said, adding that the ministers supported an “independent” review.
The rentals were in “full compliance” of the Singapore Land Authority’s procedures, the agency which manages the two sprawling homes said May 12. Opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaretnam had questioned whether the ministers were “paying less than the fair market value” for the bungalows along Ridout Road, near a high-end entertainment and lifestyle hub.
Shanmugam rejected any insinuation of wrong-doing and said he has “nothing to hide,” according to a report by Channel NewsAsia. Balakrishnan said he was glad Lee called for the review ahead of a “full debate in parliament.”
--With assistance from Low De Wei and Natalie Choy.
(Adds ministers’ comments in final paragraph.)
