SINGAPORE: The government is not satisfied with the
current state of procurement, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman
Shanmugaratnam said.
Mr Tharman said the government is looking at how the
process can be improved.
The deputy prime minister, who is also the Minister
for Finance, said this means a constant review of the rules and
guidelines but most important is compliance with the rules.
The rules by and large are there.
Mr Tharman said: "It's compliance with the rules (that is the
issue). This is partly a matter of competence -- we've got to build
up the competence of procurement officers. That means not just the
way we handle large-value tenders, where the checks are very
stringent, but also the other smaller value quotations. The small
transactions have to be on the radar screen as well."
The government's procurement process came under the spotlight after
an internal audit found discrepancies in NParks' purchase of
foldable Brompton bicycles, each costing S$2,200. An NParks officer
has been suspended over the case.
On the topic of Singapore's declining fertility rate, Mr Tharman
said while it is not a problem unique to Singapore, it is a
fundamental and serious concern.
He said the government is conducting a comprehensive review of its
set of policies, adding that making family life enjoyable is part
of it and that involves having community recreation facilities all
around the island.
Mr Tharman was speaking at the official opening of Singapore's only
Olympic-sized ice rink at JCube shopping mall in Jurong East on
Sunday.
- CNA/wm/ck