K Shanmugam - Taxpayers 'shouldn't pay' for private companies' security

(this photo is for illustrational purpose only, so get out of my hair)

LAW and Second Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam reiterated on Sunday that the security of places like MRT depots should be a partnership between the Government, private corporations and the public.

It is not the sole responsibility of the government, for if it were so, taxpayers end up paying the bill for the security of private sector companies. 'You ask yourself: Is it fair? When you say government, ultimately the people pay for it,' he said.

'We have thousands of private organisations which are profit-oriented and make money for their shareholders. It is impossible, and unacceptable, to require the taxpayer to pay for the security of all these profit- making companies, both in terms of the manpower required and the sheer cost,' he added. MORE