Former Transport Minister S. Iswaran has been convicted of five counts in a major twist in his high-profile corruption case. The verdict came after Iswaran pleaded guilty to lesser charges, leading to the dismissal of more serious corruption charges initially brought against him.
Iswaran, who previously served as Minister for Transport and Minister for Trade Relations, pleaded guilty to charges of accepting valuable gifts and obstructing justice. The gifts, worth about S$400,000, were related to his dealings with Ong Beng Seng, chairman of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, and included luxury travel and high-value items such as Brompton bicycles and golf clubs.
The case has drawn national attention as a test of Singapore’s strict anti-corruption stance. The prosecution, which initially charged Iswaran with 35 counts, focused on specific charges of accepting gifts and obstructing justice. The change reflects a strategic reassessment, emphasizing provable charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code.
Legal experts have highlighted the significance of the case for its political and legal implications. Despite the defence’s argument that the gifts were received in a friendly context, the court’s acceptance of the guilty plea underscores Singapore’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
The prosecution is seeking a jail term of between six and seven months for Iswaran, reflecting the seriousness of the charges. Sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2024, and will be closely watched for its impact on one of Singapore’s most prominent political figures.
