The Sun ’s article, entitled ‘Singapore SNUB’ (Nov 12, 2013) reported the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy commissioner (operations) Mohammed Shukri Abdull as commenting that “(i)t is difficult for us (ie, MACC) to obtain documents and other evidence (related to graft) placed in banks in Singapore because of a lack of cooperation from the republic”.

The Sun (Nov 13, 2013) carried a clarification by MACC that Shukri’'s remarks referred to difficulties with “Singapore banks” in gathering information on graft eases,  and that he did not make any reference to the “authorities or the government of Singapore”.

Singapore’s firm stand against corruption is internationally well-known. Global surveys have consistently ranked Singapore as among the least corrupt countries in the world.

Singapore signed the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2005 and ratified it in 2009. Singapore is also a state party to the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal  Matters among like-minded Asean member countries (MLAT).

Through these mechanisms, Singapore continues to work closely with foreign law enforcement agencies, including those from Malaysia, on corruption-related cases.

It is difficult to comment on Shukri’s allegation regarding “Singapore banks” without more specific information from him or his office. Nevertheless, we would like to make it clear that Singapore is willing and able to provide mutual legal assistance to the fullest extent permitted under our laws.

Our current legislative framework empowers law enforcement agencies, like the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), to obtain information for sharing with foreign counterparts if there are formal requests for assistance. CPIB is committed to continuing the long history of  close cooperatíon with MACC.

FILBERT TAY is press officer, Singapore High Commission in KL.