Sylvia Lim: Disappointing that SM Teo reduces issue of conflict of interest to a legal argument

Workers' Party Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC, Sylvia Lim, voiced her disappointment with Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean's handling of the ministers' conflict of interest issue, arguing it was reduced to a legal argument. She emphasized the high ethical standards in the Minister's code of conduct, asserting it shouldn't be mired in legal technicalities. Ms Lim asked if Teo agreed that a Minister's private financial interests should never potentially conflict with public duty, hinting that the Law Minister's transaction with the Singapore Land Authority, a body under his purview, could be considered imprudent. SM Teo, in response, clarified his understanding of conflict of interest. He stated two components must coincide - an official power over a matter and a personal interest in that matter. A potential conflict arises if that individual uses their power on a matter in which they have a personal interest. SM Teo argued that Minister Shanmugam successfully mitigated this potential conflict by removing himself from official duties relating to his private matter. The Senior Minister concluded by reiterating the importance of managing both actual and perceived conflicts of interest.