Question on officers returning from secondment

Parliament Sitting: 7 July 2026

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik: To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in each of the past five years (a) how many public officers were not placed in a confirmed substantive posting upon returning from secondment; (b) for these officers, what was the average time taken to confirm a substantive posting; and (c) whether they continued to receive full pay and benefits during the interim period. 

Written Reply by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service

Secondments help to build up the range of competencies and work experiences of public officers to strengthen their longer-term employment relevance and resilience. PSD’s guideline to agencies is to support public officers even while they are on secondment. This includes scheduling regular check-ins with the officer and jointly planning for their return to the parent agency or further secondment opportunities to another agency. This is to facilitate a smooth transition into their next jobs after secondment. In some instances, some officers may adjust their secondment period or choose to have a break until their preferred job opportunity is available – these options are available to the officer. The officer receives full pay and benefits if he / she is working. Pay and benefits will be suspended if the officer is on a break between jobs. The Public Service does not centrally track the specific data that is being requested.