Singapore’s former transport minister, S. Iswaran, will face court on Tuesday for the city-state’s first political graft trial in over 40 years. Known for his role in bringing Formula 1 to Singapore, Iswaran resigned in January amidst a corruption probe. He faces multiple charges, including accepting gifts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. This trial is seen as one of the most significant political events in Singapore’s recent history and could impact the ruling People’s Action Party ahead of the general elections expected next year.
Iswaran, aged 62, resigned from the party after being formally charged but has pleaded not guilty. Most of the 35 charges relate to corruption, with one involving a government contract that could result in up to seven years in prison. Additionally, he faces an obstruction of justice charge. Allegations include accepting gifts such as event tickets and stage show passes from Malaysian hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng, valued at more than $300,000. Ong was arrested on the same day in 2023 but has not been charged. Iswaran is also accused of receiving whiskey and golf clubs from a construction company director who has not faced charges.
The charges against Iswaran fall under a rarely invoked law prohibiting public servants from accepting valuable items from individuals they officially interact with. His legal team argues that the businessmen were personal friends, allowing him to accept gifts in a private capacity. In his resignation letter, Iswaran maintained his innocence.
Rare corruption trial of Singapore ex-minister begins.
Ex-transport minister S. Iswaran, known for helping bring Formula 1 to the financial hub, resigned in January after being hit with dozens of charges including accepting gifts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars… pic.twitter.com/hcKexLLQ6l
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 24, 2024
At the time of the resignation, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that Iswaran had pledged to return any salary and allowances received since his arrest. Singapore’s cabinet ministers receive salaries on par with top private sector earners to deter corruption. Lee acknowledged the party had suffered reputational damage following recent political scandals, including the resignation of two legislators last year due to an affair and investigations into two cabinet members over rental favours, from which they were later cleared. Current Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has reiterated the party’s firm anti-corruption stance.
The last political figure in Singapore to face trial for corruption was Wee Toon Boon in 1975, who was accused of accepting bribes exceeding $600,000.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Channel News Asia reports on the highly anticipated trial of former transport minister S Iswaran, charged with corruption and obstructing justice, amidst a rare and high-profile legal case involving Formula 1 bigwig Ong Beng Seng. (Read more)
- Al Jazeera reports Singapore’s former Transport Minister S Iswaran faces corruption trial, marking the first ministerial inquiry in decades, amid high public scrutiny and integrity concerns. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is S. Iswaran facing trial?
He is facing trial for corruption charges, including accepting gifts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What are the consequences of the corruption charges against Iswaran?
He could face up to seven years in jail for the most serious charges.
Who allegedly gave gifts to S. Iswaran?
The gifts were allegedly from Malaysian hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng and a top director at a construction company.
Has Ong Beng Seng faced any punishment?
No, Ong Beng Seng has not faced any punishment.
What is the significance of this trial in Singapore’s political history?
It is the first political graft trial in more than four decades and could impact the ruling People’s Action Party’s reputation.
