(Delivered in Parliament on 8 January 2018)
This bill gives government Ministers powers to direct all Singapore public sector agencies relating to certain matters so as to “uphold the values of the Singapore public sector.” This includes powers to give directions relating to the management of official records.
Today, the management of public records falls under the purview of the National Library Board, which controls and directs the National Archives of Singapore. The National Library Board conducts a records management programme that includes the retention and preservation of public records. The Board has the authority to decide which records of the government or another public office are of national or historical significance and should be transferred to the National Archives. No records of the government or another public office may be destroyed or disposed of without the authorisation of the Board. Nor may any person excise, mark or otherwise deface, damage or send out of Singapore any public records without the authorisation of the Board.
How would the proposed powers of the relevant Minister to direct public sector agencies or public bodies in the management of official records work in conjunction with the existing powers of the National Library Board relating to the retention and preservation of public records? Could the Minister clarify?
The proper retention and preservation of our public records is of great importance. Sir, many of us tell ourselves that things may be the way they seem now, but Time lends perspective and with the proper keeping of public records, and in time with greater accessibility to them, History can be the judge.