S Iswaran, Singapore’s former Transport Minister, on Thursday pled not guilty to grave allegations comprising 27 corruption charges, including corruption and obtaining valuables as a public servant. These charges stem from accusations of obtaining items from billionaire Ong Beng Seng, known for bringing Formula 1 (F1) to Singapore.
Following these charges, Chee Hong Tat has been appointed as the new Transport Minister, taking over Iswaran’s position. Prior to this, Chee Hong Tat served as the acting Transport Minister after Iswaran’s arrest and subsequent resignation.
Iswaran is being prosecuted for corruption charges that include receiving over S$166,000 worth of benefits to further the business interests of Ong. Additionally, Iswaran is accused of illicitly obtaining around S$218,000 worth of valuable items during his tenure as minister and F1 Steering Committee chairman.
Asserting his innocence, Iswaran stated in a release, “I reject the charges and the allegations against me. I am innocent and will now focus on clearing my name.”
Reportedly, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Loong responded to Iswaran’s resignation letter and his decision to return all the salary and allowances he received as Minister and Member of Parliament since July 2023 (when the Corruption Practices Investigation Bureau’s investigations commenced). He added, “I am disappointed and saddened that you are leaving politics in these circumstances. But it is essential that I deal with such matters rigorously in accordance with the law.”
These charges revolve around incidents dating from November 2015 to December 2021. During this period, Iswaran allegedly obtained various items, including tickets to shows, football matches, and F1 Grand Prix (GP) events. Additionally, he faces charges for obstructing justice pertaining to an alleged repayment of S$5,700 made to the Singapore GP.
As Singapore’s primary anti-corruption law, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1960 (PCA), broadly defines corruption and imposes strict penalties. Administered by the CPIB, it covers monetary and non-monetary bribes, levying heavy fines and imprisonment on individuals involved in corruption in both the public and private sectors.
Iswaran is met with three charges under the PCA in addition to 24 charges related to “obtaining, as a public servant, valuable things.”
You can read more about the case in the original article on JURIST – News.