Statement by PM Lee Hsien Loong on rental of state properties by two Ministers

On 12 May 2023, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) issued a statement on two residential properties under SLA’s management, which were rented, separately by Minister K Shanmugam and Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

Members of Parliament have filed Parliamentary questions on the matter, which will be answered in the next sitting of Parliament in July. Ministers Shanmugam and Balakrishnan have also spoken to me to request for a review that is independent of the ministries and agencies they supervise.

Last week, I asked for reports from the relevant agencies setting out the facts. I have also asked Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean to review the matter, and establish whether proper processes have been followed, and if there has been any wrongdoing. This must be done to ensure that this government maintains the highest standards of integrity.

I have asked SM Teo to carry out the review expeditiously and to make the findings public in time for the Parliamentary sitting.

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PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

23 MAY 2023