Bill passed in Parliament to increase maximum fines, introduce composition fines for minor offences in SAF

SINGAPORE: Singapore Armed Forces servicemen who commit minor offences face stiffer penalties after Parliament on Tuesday passed a Bill to increase maximum fines and ensure sufficient deterrence.

A summary trial usually involves a less formal type of prosecution, with servicemen being charged and sentenced by superiors - from the same unit or otherwise - in SAF camps. “These proposed fine limits do not exceed the Magistrates’ Courts’ fine limit, which is currently set at S$10,000,” Dr Ng said.

MP Louis Ng asked how the"significant increase" in fines that could be imposed by the Subordinate Military Court was decided, and whether there will be clear sentencing guidelines. Designated officers will be authorised by the Armed Forces Council to offer composition to such offenders. These officers will not be in the same chain of command as the accused serviceman.

MP Dennis Tan questioned if offences dealt with a composition fine will be added to a serviceman’s disciplinary records, similar to a summary trial trial conviction, and possibly affect his performance review. Mr Ng also asked if the composition fine has the effect of an acquittal, and if not, whether it will be considered an antecedent for future military offences.

The SAF Act currently provides for a maximum five-year imprisonment sentence for any insubordinate behaviour, including the act of assaulting a superior officer. For instance, a military court can impose caning for offences in which such a punishment can be meted out by a civil court. Currently under the SAF Act, a serviceman must be tried within three years from the date of the commission of the offence, or the date of when the offence was reported to a disciplinary officer or military policeman, whichever is later.

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