Former Transport Minister S. Iswaran pleaded “not guilty” in court yesterday, after he was dealt 27 charges, mostly related to bribery and corruption, involving more than $384,300.
In a statement, Iswaran said he rejected the charges and allegations against him.
“I am innocent and will now focus on clearing my name,” wrote the 61-year-old, adding that he will return the salary and Member of Parliament (MP) allowance he received from the start of investigations last July.
He added: “My family and I decided to return these monies because we believe it is the right thing to do. We cannot in all good conscience keep the monies when I was unable, on account of the investigations, to discharge my duties as a minister and Member of Parliament in that period.”
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a statement yesterday that Iswaran had resigned from the People’s Action Party (PAP) and would be stepping down as transport minister and West Coast GRC MP.
Responding to Iswaran’s resignation letter, PM Lee said he was disappointed and saddened that Iswaran was leaving politics in these circumstances.
“But it is essential that I deal with such matters rigorously in accordance with the law. It is the right thing to do. We must uphold the integrity of the party and the Government. I am sure you understand the importance of doing so. Singaporeans expect no less,” PM Lee said.
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the investigations into Iswaran were initiated by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and since then the Government has pursued the matter “decisively and proactively”.
Once CPIB completed its investigations and the public prosecutor assessed the findings independently, they decided to proceed with charges against Iswaran, said DPM Wong.
He stressed that there was no whistle-blower or tip-off, and that CPIB pursued this matter on its own accord.
The bureau, he said, did a thorough investigation and left no stone unturned, before presenting its investigation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
Iswaran was charged with 24 offences under Section 165 of the Penal Code, two under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and one for obstruction of justice.
Section 165 makes it an offence for a public servant to accept anything of value – without payment or with inadequate payment – from a person who he is involved with in an official capacity.
It is not necessary to establish that the item of value was received as an inducement or a reward, for it to be deemed an offence.
Iswaran was accused of obtaining valuables worth $218,058.95 from managing director of Hotel Properties Limited Ong Beng Seng, a billionaire who gained a high profile for bringing the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Singapore.
He allegedly did so while knowing that Mr Ong had a connection with his official function as chairman of the F1 Steering Committee.
Mr Ong, who is the chairman of race promoter Singapore Grand Prix (SGP) and owns the rights to the race, was arrested on July 11 as part of the corruption probe.
For the two counts of corruptly obtaining gratification, Iswaran allegedly received about $166,280 worth of event and flight tickets, among other items, in September and December 2022 from Mr Ong. This amount was allegedly as inducement for advancing Mr Ong’s business interests in relation to contracts between the SGP and the Singapore Tourism Board.
In May 2023, Iswaran allegedly made repayment of $5,700 for a business class flight ticket paid for by Mr Ong in December 2022. This constitutes the single obstruction of justice charge against him.
Iswaran, who is represented by Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, is now out on $800,000 bail. A pre-trial conference has been set for March 1.
The Straits Times
