SOAS Research Online

Abstract

In contrast with most Asian and African nations, the Republic of Singapore has often been cited as a model state where bureaucratic corruption is minimal. What then is the secret of Singapore's success at corruption control? This dissertation examines the factors that help to explain the effective control of corruption in Singapore, the administrative and legal methods employed to combat corruption in the Republic and the efficacy and legitimacy of such controls. The study has been undertaken in four parts. Part I seeks to define the elusive concept of corruption, and to examine the problems of corruption in Asia and in the developing countries, and the various physical, political, social and economic factors that support Singapore's corruption control strategy. In Parts II and III, an attempt has been made to determine, analyse and evaluate the administrative and legal methods employed to combat corruption, especially in the public services. There is a detailed study of the scope and application of Singapore's anti-corruption laws and the workings of various law enforcement agencies involved in combating corruption. The dissertation concludes with a general discussion of the sufficiency of Singapore's solutions and the problems ahead in the battle against the canker of corruption in Singapore.