Probe of ex-MFA senior official raises
eyebrows
SINGAPORE: Mr Lim Cheng Hoe's suspension from duties
and investigation by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) over
alleged improper claims for expenses abroad came as a surprise to
some who had worked with him.
Mr Lim was a familiar face in overseas ministerial
and presidential visits as the chief of protocol with the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
"For him to do this doesn't make sense. He's waiting
to retire," said a source, who declined to be named.
Apart from the fact that Mr Lim held a senior position, it is
understood that the reimbursement policy for claims at the MFA are
fairly stringent. For example, for overseas visits, hotel rooms are
assigned to specific individuals along with the duration of stay. A
guest list and receipt are to accompany claims for meals.
The protocol chief is usually accompanied by two staff officers,
who would be the ones settling payment for the meals.
As for dining engagements that take place in Singapore, restaurants
would usually send their invoices directly to the MFA.
Mr Lim, who was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in
2009, is the only official being investigated in this matter.
Responding to media queries, the Public Service Commission (PSC)
said that Mr Lim has been interdicted with effect from June
21.
The case was brought to the PSC's attention on June 19, the same
day that the MFA suspended its 38-year veteran. Mr Lim's case was
referred to the CAD the next day.
The PSC added that it did not receive any other case of improper
claims made by civil servants in the past year.
Civil Service disciplinary proceedings would be initiated if there
are adequate grounds to suspect an officer of misconduct, the PSC
said.
But it would not say whether such proceedings would be started
against Mr Lim.
"For misconduct that involves criminal charges, Civil Service
disciplinary proceedings concerning those charges will only take
place after the court conviction. This ensures that the outcome of
the court proceedings is not prejudged, and that the officer is
treated fairly," it added.
The MFA, which earlier said that it was "very sad that this has
happened", said on June 21 it is reviewing its procedures to see
what additional safeguards may be necessary for the approval of
expense claims.
A ministry spokesperson said: "As investigations into this case are
ongoing, we cannot comment further and we should not pre-judge the
outcome of the investigations on the causes of Mr Lim's
transgressions."
- TODAY
Walau! got Silver medal somemore! How can he over claim? not an
honest mistake?
