14-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) The Singapore Grand Prix race promoter, Singapore GP, confirmed on Friday (Jul 14) that it would proceed with preparations for its Formula One event in September, despite an ongoing anti-corruption investigation involving its chairman, Ong Beng Seng. In a statement, the organiser said that it was “not at liberty to provide any further information” regarding the probe, which has seen Mr Ong being asked by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) to provide information regarding his interactions with Transport Minister S Iswaran.
Mr Iswaran is assisting in a probe into a case uncovered by the anti-graft agency, although the nature of the investigation has not been revealed. The 77-year-old Malaysian billionaire, who also owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix, played a key role in the deal struck between the Singapore Tourism Board and then-Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone in 2007, which brought the event to the country for the first-ever F1 night race.
A contract for Singapore to host the F1 event for another seven years was signed last year, bringing the event back to Marina Bay after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Iswaran has been actively involved in the government’s engagements with F1, including making appearances at press conferences where announcements about the event’s future have been made.
On Wednesday, Singapore GP announced the full entertainment lineup for this year’s event, which includes American rock band Kings of Leon, Post Malone and Robbie Williams. The decision to proceed with preparations for the event is seen as a sign of confidence by the organisers, who are expected to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the event amid ongoing investigations. The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious events on the F1 calendar, attracting thousands of fans and generating millions of dollars in revenue for the city-state. The outcome of the investigation is expected to have far-reaching implications for the event and the wider F1 community in Singapore and beyond.
