24-9-2024 (SINGAPORE) Former transport minister S Iswaran has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of misconduct and obstruction of justice. The unexpected admission came on Tuesday, marking what was initially slated to be the first day of his criminal trial.
Iswaran, 62, who had previously vowed to contest the charges and clear his name, admitted to four counts under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which prohibits public servants from obtaining valuable items from individuals involved with them in an official capacity. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to one charge of obstruction of justice.
The court, presided over by Justice Vincent Hoong, heard that the former minister had obtained various luxuries, including tickets to high-profile events such as theatre shows, football matches, and the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, as well as premium whisky, international flights, and hotel accommodations. The total value of these items exceeds S$400,000.
Deputy Attorney-General Tai Wei Shyong informed the court that Iswaran had made a disgorgement of S$380,305.95 to the state on Monday. Authorities also seized several items from the former minister, including bottles of whisky and wine, golf clubs, and a Brompton bicycle.
In a significant development, the prosecution amended two corruption charges to lesser offences under Section 165 of the Penal Code. These charges relate to Iswaran’s interactions with property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and involve obtaining valuable items, including F1 tickets and luxury travel arrangements.
Iswaran’s defence lawyer, Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, confirmed his client’s decision to plead guilty, stating, “My client will be taking a certain course of action in view of the fact that the prosecution is no longer proceeding on charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.”
The case has drawn intense scrutiny, not only due to Iswaran’s high-profile position but also because it implicates prominent businessmen, including Ong Beng Seng and construction firm boss Lum Kok Seng, neither of whom have been charged.
The guilty plea marks a stark contrast to Iswaran’s earlier stance. His legal team had previously described Ong and Lum as “very, very dear and close friends” of Iswaran, asserting that their client was unaware that gifts from them could be considered “veiled gratification.”
The case has been contentious from the outset, with legal battles over trial procedures and access to witness statements. Iswaran succeeded in having all charges heard in a single trial but failed in attempts to obtain comprehensive witness statements from the prosecution.
The former minister now faces significant legal consequences. For obstructing justice under Section 204A of the Penal Code, he could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison. The charges under Section 165 each carry a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and potential fines.
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