Authorities emphasise public trust and operational impact of false allegations
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) revealed on Monday (Dec. 13) that substantial resources were expended to investigate the allegations made by former Member of Parliament (MP) Raeesah Khan. This statement follows Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh’s testimony to the Committee of Privileges, where he suggested the false claims had minimal impact on police work.
Comprehensive Investigation Undertaken
Ms Khan’s false claims, presented in Parliament on Aug. 3, involved allegations of police mishandling a rape case. In response, SPF conducted extensive checks, including reviewing records of all police station visitors since January 2017 and combing through over 1,400 sexual assault cases from 2018 to 2021. Despite these efforts, no case matched the claims.
SPF stated that multiple rounds of verification were performed to ensure thoroughness. Investigation officers cross-checked their records in detail, and public feedback related to sexual assault was also reviewed, but no evidence supported the allegations.
Wider Operational and Trust Implications
The SPF stressed that the repercussions of false claims extended beyond wasted man-hours. Resources diverted to investigate the claims delayed other cases, impacting public service efficiency.
Public trust, a cornerstone of police effectiveness, was also at stake. SPF noted that baseless allegations could undermine community confidence, discouraging victims from seeking help and damaging the strong police-community partnership that underpins Singapore’s safety.
Addressing Allegations with Accountability
SPF reaffirmed its commitment to addressing allegations professionally. Verified claims are rectified to prevent recurrence, but false accusations risk eroding trust and morale among officers.
“Comments that minimise the impact of such falsehoods are disheartening and can affect the dedication of our officers who strive daily to ensure public safety,” the SPF concluded.
This case underscores the importance of safeguarding the integrity and trust in public institutions while holding individuals accountable for their statements.
