SAF allowed three officers to be prematurely released from their bonds since 2000

SAF allowed three officers to be prematurely released from their bonds since 2000
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 April 2009 1556 hrs

	Photos 1 of 1 > " onclick="Next();" src="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/images/butt_next.gif" type="image" width="18" height="15"> SAF soldiers in training

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean says that since 2000, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has allowed three officers to be released prematurely from their bonds.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Mr Teo said the SAF is not an unreasonable organisation when it comes to the issue of officers serving out their bonds.

Mr Teo explained that if an officer did not understand the terms of the bond, he could seek clarifications and was not in any way compelled to sign it.

The issue became a talking point after a bonded officer Dr Allan Ooi was found dead in Australia. He had informed his superior he was unhappy with work and was considering leaving the SAF.

Mr Teo said that any officer who wishes to be prematurely released from his bond could submit a formal application, which will then be assessed on a case-by-case basis with the officer then being counselled and interviewed by his superiors.

Mr Teo added that with substantial public funds invested in an officer, he has not just a legal but also moral obligation to fulfil his bond.

Mr Teo said: "All officers who join SAF and take up a sponsorship know they have a moral obligation to serve out the full period for their sponsorship bond, which goes beyond the legal obligation to pay back the liquidated damages if an officer does not serve out the bond.

"The SAF has a range of important leadership and specialist roles that serve the organisational needs while catering to officers with different interests and aptitudes but officers too are expected to do their best to fulfil their obligations to the organisation unless there are strong and extenuating circumstances such as medical reasons that prevent the officer from doing so."

MINDEF says it has been in contact with CPT Ooi's family since he went AWOL in October last year.

A Board of Inquiry was convened on 11 March.

Mr Teo said if the family were to request for the findings of the Board of Inquiry, MINDEF will make available a summary of the findings to them.

- CNA/ir

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