Hmmm....maybe the PAP has been reading this thread (what am I
saying, of course they have):
http://www.straitstimes.asiaone.com.sg/latest/story/0,4390,248225,00.html?
Goh to MPs: Keep public, private interests
separate
PRIME Minister Goh Chok Tong on Wednesday reminded Members of
Parliament belonging to the People's Action Party that they should
keep their business and employment interests separate from their
service and duties as MPs.
He added that the decision to take up such positions was solely
that of the MPs, and that the Party would not - and could not - vet
or approve these decisions.
Noting that it had been several years since he last wrote to MPs on
the matter and that many MPs were relatively new, he said he had
decided to revisit the issue.
His Thursday letter to party MPs explained that he was updating and
consolidating his previous comments on the matter and revising the
reporting requirements for MPs who take up company
directorships.
Mr Goh, who is also the Secretary-General of the PAP, noting that
MPs were increasingly being invited to serve on the boards of
private companies, wrote: 'This is a good sign that private sector
companies value PAP MPs' integrity and service, and reflects the
high standing of the Party and of PAP MPs in general.
'The Party supports this practice, provided MPs rigorously separate
their private and public responsibilities.'
Whether making public statements on behalf of the companies they
serve, raising questions in Parliament or dealing with government
departments or public officers, they should make clear their
interests and whether they are speaking as MPs or in their private,
professional or business capacity.
Warning MPs who are in business or sit on company boards to be
'especially vigilant', he said they must not exploit their public
position or close contacts with ministers or their access to
Government departments to lobby for their business interest or for
their employers' benefit.
MPs also should not solicit for directorships, wrote Mr Goh, lest
they appear to be exploiting their political position to benefit
themselves.
They should also not sit on the boards of companies owned or
chaired by grassroots leaders they have appointed, because this
might give rise to the perception that the MP is obligated to the
grassroots leader.
And while MPs will continue to have access to ministers who are
their parliamentary colleagues, MPs cannot expect policies or the
decisions of ministries to be changed without first looking at the
merits of the MPs' case.
Mr Goh also reminded MPs that they were to keep the party Whip
informed of all the directorships that they hold - a requirement
since 2001 - and that they have till the end of January each year
to declare their director's fees.
He also warned his party's MPs to be on guard against companies who
invite them to serve as directors, 'hoping that this will
facilitate their business interactions with the government, or lend
respectability to their operations', and said they should not sit
on the boards of companies owned or chaired by grassroots leaders
they have appointed.
The advice for MPs wondering if a directorship may adversely impact
his political life: 'Where he has any doubt, he should decline
involvement.'
