18-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) Transport Minister S. Iswaran faced a series of charges in court on Thursday (Jan 18), including corruption and receiving gratification as a public servant. The charges, totaling 27, comprised two under the Prevention of Corruption Act, one for obstructing justice, and 24 for receiving gratification as a public servant under the Penal Code. Iswaran, who pleaded not guilty, was arrested on Jul 11, 2023, as part of an investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).
The arrest became public on Jul 14, although details regarding the nature of the investigation remained undisclosed. Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, arrested concurrently, was asked to provide information related to his interactions with Iswaran. Ong, the proprietor of the Singapore Grand Prix and the chairman of race promoter Singapore GP, also holds the rights to the event.
Flanked by his legal team, including Senior Counsel Davinder Singh and Mr Navin Thevar from Davinder Singh Chambers, Iswaran arrived at the State Courts at 8 am on Thursday. The 61-year-old Minister for Transport, Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, and a veteran in politics for over 26 years, did not respond to reporters’ questions during his entrance to the court.
Iswaran, who played an active role in the government’s engagements with F1, including press conferences, was placed on leave by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong due to the CPIB investigation. Lee subsequently disclosed in parliament that Iswaran’s pay had been cut to S$8,500 a month until further notice, with the continuation of his full annual MP allowance of S$192,500.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing announced on Jan 9 in a written parliamentary response that CPIB had concluded its investigation into Iswaran. Last September, the Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) motion to suspend Iswaran as an MP was rejected, with parliament deciding to consider the matter post the investigation’s conclusion.
In a November conference, PM Lee emphasized the PAP’s commitment to honesty and incorruptibility, stating it was “absolutely non-negotiable.” He urged party members to uphold principles and integrity, emphasizing that the PAP must prove its commitment, even when tested, dealing with issues “without fear or favour.”
