PM Lee issues letter on Rules of Prudence to PAP MPs

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (PM Lee) has issued letters outlining the Rules of Prudence to People's Action Party (PAP) MPs on Tuesday (Sept 29), which spells out how they should conduct themselves.

"As MPs, always remember we are servants of the people, not masters. Do not mistake the strong election result to mean that our efforts have succeeded, and that we can afford to slacken," said the Prime Minister in the letter, which is published on the Prime Minister's Office website.

In his Facebook post on Tuesday evening, PM Lee noted that the letter is sent out after each general election "to stress the rigorous standards I expect every MP to uphold".

"This was also the practice of my predecessors, Mr Goh Chok Tong and Mr Lee Kuan Yew," added Mr Lee.

He stressed that "PAP’s reputation for being a clean, incorruptible Government is one of our most precious assets."

"It is fundamental to us, and I am determined to keep it that way.

"Any MP who breaks the rules will have to answer to the party and the law, without exceptions," said PM Lee.

Besides upholding the reputation and integrity of the PAP, some of the Rules of Prudence include separating business interests from politics, and attendance at all sittings of Parliament.

PM Lee also stated that every MP should disclose to him, in confidence, their business and professional interests, including their present employment and monthly pay, all retainers and fees that they receive, and whether their job requires them to get in touch with officers of Government Ministries or statutory boards on behalf of employers or clients.

candicec@sph.com.sg