On Thursday (18 Jan), the Prime Minister’s Office announced the appointment of Chee Hong Tat as the new Minister for Transport, succeeding S Iswaran, who had resigned from Parliament and the People’s Action Party (PAP) after facing 27 charges.

Chee, who previously served as Acting Transport Minister during Iswaran’s absence, has been elevated to full minister.

Additionally, he will assume the role of Second Minister for Finance.

The changes also involve Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, who will now concurrently hold the position of Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, taking over Iswaran’s other portfolio.

These appointments are effective from Thursday, as per the PMO statement.

Chee’s political journey includes his appointment as Senior Minister of State for Transport on Jul 27, 2020, and subsequently taking up a concurrent role as Senior Minister of State for Finance about two years later.

Following the announcement of Iswaran’s leave of absence due to an ongoing investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on 12 July last year, Chee was designated as the acting transport minister.

According to a PMO statement,  Mr Iswaran formally resigned as a Cabinet Minister and PAP member on 16 Jan, after receiving notice of the charges from the CPIB.

Additionally, Iswaran stepped down as a Member of Parliament (MP) for West Coast GRC.

PM Lee disclosed, “On 17 January, Mr Iswaran further informed me that he would return all money received by way of salary as minister and allowances as MP from the commencement of the CPIB’s investigations in July 2023.”

Consequently, with his resignation, Iswaran will no longer receive government salary or allowances, added PM Lee.

PM Lee emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the case rigorously within the confines of the law and maintaining Singapore’s reputation for integrity.

“I am determined to uphold the integrity of the party and the government, and our reputation for honesty and incorruptibility. Singaporeans expect no less.”

S Iswaran charged with 27 offences including corruption charges

On Thursday morning, Iswaran was charged in the State Courts with 27 offences, including corruption, receiving gratification as a public servant and obstructing justice.

The 61-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charges, signalling his intent to contest them in a trial.

The court heard that the charges included two counts of corruption, 24 counts related to receiving items from individuals with whom he had business dealings in his capacity as a public servant, and one charge for obstructing the course of justice.

Regarding the two corruption charges, Iswaran is accused of receiving approximately $145,434 in gratification from billionaire Ong Beng Seng in September 2022.

This alleged inducement was to promote Ong’s interests in connection with a contract between the Singapore Grand Prix and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Mr Iswaran is defended by his lawyers, including Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, Mr Navin Thevar, Ms Sheiffa Safi Shirbeeni and Mr Rajvinder Singh from Davinder Singh Chambers.

The latest development follows an extensive investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), which began in July last year.

Following the conclusion of the investigation into Minister Iswaran by CPIB, the case was referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for further action.

This update was first disclosed by Education Minister Chan Chun Sing last week, responding to a parliamentary question from Progress Singapore Party’s Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa.

The arrest of Iswaran, which took place on 11 July 2023, also involved billionaire businessman Ong Beng Seng, connected to the same corruption probe.

Following their arrest, both individuals were released on bail. Iswaran was instructed to take a leave of absence and had his passport confiscated.

The CPIB’s discovery of incriminating information against Iswaran was first indicated to Prime Minister Lee on 29 May 2023.

A formal interview with Iswaran was deemed necessary by CPIB’s Director and was approved by the Prime Minister on 6 July 2023, leading to Iswaran’s subsequent arrest five days later.

As the investigation continues,  Iswaran has been restricted from leaving Singapore and accessing official government resources and buildings.