National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang says the Integrity Commission’s investigative report into the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) contains no recommendation for a criminal charge.

He adds that the report does not show evidence to support allegations that firearms were missing from the main vault of the FLA.

Dr. Chang issued a statement on the matter yesterday, when the report was being tabled in the Lower House of Parliament.

The tabling follows contention about the report, as the FLA had taken the matter to court seeking disclosure, but the court ruled that the report is to remain confidential until tabled in Parliament.

The Opposition has long called for the report to be tabled.

Dr. Chang noted that he was made aware of the Commission’s report and that he allowed the process to run its course to avoid risking statements or actions being viewed as an attempt to interfere.

The Minister said that, based on the updates received from the FLA, the Commission invited the Authority to a meeting in March, when the findings from an investigative report were read and a limited opportunity provided for a response.

He was further advised that the report related to an “investigation into allegations concerning corruption, impropriety, and irregularities in the storage of firearms and ammunition and the award of firearms at the firearm licensing authority.”

The National Security Minister said that, from the updates provided, it was made clear that there was no recommendation for criminal charges and there was no evidence to support allegations that firearms were missing from the main vault of the FLA.

Dr. Chang said representatives from the Ministry’s law enforcement, border security, forensics, defence and protective security division were tasked to visit the facilities of the authority, consequent on being advised of the findings, to ascertain a first-hand view of the storage facilities and accountability measures in operation.

Following that visit, the Minister was advised that there were clear limitations observed in respect of the physical space available for the storage of firearms and ammunition that had been left for storage beyond the normal duration.

Being sensitive to this problem, he said he is confident that proper procedures are in place to maintain accountability.

The Authority is seeking a space solution to address this storage matter.

Based on the briefings provided by the accountable officers for the storage facilities and updates provided by the Ministry representatives, Dr. Chang stated that he is satisfied that under the prevailing conditions, the Authority has a clear system to inventorize the items in storage and was able to account for the firearms and ammunition in its custody.

He said a process is underway to completely overhaul the storage facilities and implement disposal and/or destruction procedures, which includes the acquisition of a hydraulic shredder to add to the existing capacity to destroy weapons that have been forfeited to the state.

He added that the Ministry can account for ammunition currently stored by the Authority.