MND's 29 May Statement on High Court Judgment on 27 May 2015
Independent oversight could enable safeguarded grant disbursement and recovery of mismanaged funds, potentially supporting continuity and confidence in essential estate management services.
MND planned to appeal for Independent Accountants after the High Court found AHPETC remained in legal breach and faced critical questions about its finances.
Body
The High Court has made serious findings against the Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC).
The Judge found that AHPETC had breached and continues to be in breach of its duties and obligations in law, and that there are critical questions about the state of its finances. The Government cannot disburse public funds to AHPETC in the current circumstances, given the very serious findings by the Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) and the High Court.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has advised the Ministry of National Development (MND) that an appeal should be filed, for the appointment of Independent Accountants (IAs). The appointment of IAs will allow the Government to immediately disburse grants to AHPETC, in the interest of residents, while ensuring that these public funds are adequately safeguarded.
The IAs will also be able to examine past payments made by AHPETC. They will be able to take steps to recover monies lost from financial mismanagement and questionable payments.