SMRT yesterday (Nov 27) wrapped up it’s internal investigation of the Oct 7 tunnel flooding incident, putting all blame on 13 employees. With the 13 scapegoats, former army general Desmond Kuek is notably excused despite his lapse overlooking the maintenance department as CEO.
According to SMRT, one senior executive, two managers and five technicians were responsible for the falsification of pump maintenance records and they have been fired. Although they were found SMRT however is not pursuing legal actions against them:
“As they are no longer with the company, SMRT reserves its right to pursue legal action against them as may be appropriate.”
Another vice-president and senior manager has also resigned, while three other management executives have been “disciplined”. SMRT did not mention what disciplinary actions were taken or if any of the 13 employees were protected from the “amnesty period” offered earlier by SMRT.
A government survey recently found that 55% of the public wants the inexperienced former army general to resign. Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan however defended Desmond Kuek and his salaries, claiming that rail reliability is a “multi-year war” and that the chinese art of war accept such failures.