Singapore Court Sentences Former Minister Iswaran to 12 Months for Corruption and Obstruction of Justice
A Singapore court has sentenced former minister S Iswaran to 12 months in prison for obstructing justice and improperly receiving over $300,000 in gifts, marking the city-state’s first political corruption trial in nearly fifty years. Iswaran, who served as a cabinet member for 13 years across various portfolios, pleaded guilty last week to four counts of receiving gifts and one count of obstructing justice.
Presiding judge Vincent Hoong described the prosecution’s recommendation of six to seven months as “manifestly inadequate” given the serious nature of Iswaran’s offenses and their detrimental impact on public trust. He emphasized that the integrity of public institutions is crucial for effective governance and can easily be undermined by the misconduct of individual public servants.
The case has sent shockwaves through Singapore, a country known for its efficient and transparent governance, ranking among the top five least corrupt nations according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The last minister to be charged with corruption was Wee Toon Boon in 1975.
Iswaran’s investigation revealed he accepted lavish gifts, including tickets to English Premier League matches, the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, and a private jet ride, amounting to over 400,000 Singapore dollars (approximately $308,880).
Arriving in court, Iswaran faced a throng of media but declined to comment, appearing stoic throughout the proceedings. Although he initially maintained his innocence, he changed his plea last week and was later allowed to remain on bail until he begins his sentence on Monday.
The former minister faced a total of 35 charges, with two originally related to corruption later amended to receiving gifts. The attorney general’s chambers indicated the amendments were made due to litigation risks involved in proving corruption charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Iswaran was arrested in July 2023, with allegations that he received kickbacks from businessmen, including property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who has not been charged and has remained silent on the matter. The attorney general’s office is expected to make decisions regarding further actions against Ong soon.
Judge Hoong noted that public officials in high positions hold greater influence over business transactions, heightening their culpability.
This trial occurs shortly after the appointment of new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, following Lee Hsien Loong’s two-decade tenure, and poses risks to the reputation of the ruling People’s Action Party ahead of expected general elections by November 2024.
