THE Government's efforts to improve the administrative efficiency of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau are commendable ("S'pore steps up efforts to stay free of corruption"; Jan 14).
Eradicating corruption, however, rests on the integrity of the civil servants administering the system.
There is no lack of operating and auditing procedures in the public service to keep civil servants in check. Indeed, our ministers regularly highlight our zero tolerance for corruption.
That high-profile corruption cases still occur leads one to wonder if the civil service can be solely relied upon to maintain incorruptibility.
I suggest another independent avenue for reporting the misdeeds of public officers, such as the ombudsman system practised in some countries.
To ensure transparency and fairness, the judiciary or a parliamentary committee comprising ruling party and opposition MPs can be appointed to administer such a system.
The ombudsman should be empowered to deal with not just corruption cases, but also all other legitimate grievances against errant public officers.
This wide-ranging portfolio will enhance the transparency and discipline of the civil service.
Robert Tang Hin Ching
