Transparency and integrity of the govt and public officers

'The Minister for Health was first informed about the matter on Sept 18. He directed that it be made public, and that a full public explanation be given. Ms Chang makes much of the minister being ”officially” informed on Sept 18, implying that he knew unofficially before that.’

Lim Bee Khim (Ms), Press Secretary to the Minister for Health

The above is quoted from an article posted in TRE by Lim Bee Khim of MOH. This was a reply in response to all the doubts, queries and insinuations that the Minister of Health, Gan Kim Yong knew about the hepatitis outbreak in May but did not make it public to alarm the people and might even affect the GE. The negative rumours are understandable given the serious nature of the outbreak and the concerns on the outcome of the general election. The public are questioning the integrity of the political leaders who have been the most vocal about transparency, integrity and timeliness of reporting such a matter. In fact the same concerns were the key issues in the AHPETC disclosure. And the WP was accused of not being transparent, not reporting the shortcomings timely and all the same things the public are accusing the govt now. When a govt knew how to call on the WP to answer to such charges, it is clear that the govt knew such things are wrong and definitely would not stoop so low to commit the same.

Now, to imply that the govt also committed the same sin of not disclosure of such sensitive matter, not being transparent or intentional hiding the information from the people would justify a robust reply from the govt. How can the public accuse the govt for such wrongdoings? Read the above comment of Lim Bee Khim, the minister when informed ‘officially’ quickly asked for it to be made public and called for an explanation. This kind of swift action and accountability is the standard of this govt. They deserved the 70% support from the people.

We have leaders with high integrity and unquestionable honesty in the govt. To cast doubt on their integrity and honesty is unacceptable. The public officers in the MOH too are men and women of the highest caliber and integrity. They would not hide such information from Gan Kim Yong. And if Gan Kim Yong knew about it, he would not hide it from the people as well.

There is no question of their integrity and honesty. The people must trust the public officers and the minister for doing their job professionally and not to serve political expediency. If they were found out to be otherwise, it would drag down the reputation of the whole govt together with them. See, after 6 months of investigation they could not find out anything and are reporting the matter to the police for more investigation. They are also getting international experts to look into the matter. They want to know the truth, even if it is 6 months late.

Anyone wanting to cast doubts on the public officers and the minister must have facts to prove them. And in this case the MOH has given a clear explanation beyond any reasonable doubt with all the time lines of the events happening, and has nothing to hide.

How can there still be doubts of their honesty and integrity? Case close, unless they can put up proof to show otherwise.

PS. OK IBs, your turn to add more to my comments. I don’t think Gan Kim Yong dare to cover up this incident if he knew about it officially or unofficially before the GE. If kena found out he will be finished.