16-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) Transport Minister S Iswaran and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng have been arrested as part of a corruption probe, announced the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on Friday night. The events unfolded as follows:
July 12 morning: CPIB announces investigation involving Minister Iswaran CPIB discloses that Transport Minister S Iswaran is assisting in an investigation related to a case uncovered by the agency. The details of the investigation have not been elaborated upon, citing ongoing investigations. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong confirms that the CPIB investigation necessitates interviews with Mr. Iswaran and other individuals.
July 12 evening: “We will be upfront and transparent”: DPM Wong Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong clarifies that the case involving Minister Iswaran is completely driven by CPIB, and no public complaint was involved. He affirms that the investigation reflects Singapore’s commitment to transparency and maintaining a clean government.
July 13 evening: Mr. Iswaran will remain in Singapore: PMO The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirms that Minister Iswaran will stay in Singapore during his leave of absence and will have no access to official resources or government buildings.
July 14 morning: Mr. Ong Beng Seng’s arrest announced by HPL Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), the company co-founded by Mr. Ong Beng Seng, discloses that he has been given a notice of arrest by CPIB. Mr. Ong, who is Malaysian and based in Singapore, is asked by CPIB to provide information regarding his interactions with Minister Iswaran.
July 14 evening: Mr. Iswaran and Mr. Ong were arrested on Jul 11, CPIB confirms that both Minister Iswaran and Mr. Ong were arrested on Tuesday and subsequently released on bail. Mr. Ong’s request to travel overseas has been granted, but he must report to CPIB upon his return and surrender his passport. Further details regarding the investigation remain undisclosed.
