Transport Minister S Iswaran to be charged in State Court

SINGAPORE: Transport Minister S Iswaran is at the State Courts at about 8am on Thursday (18 Jan).

The 61-year-old can be seen accompanied by his lawyers,  Senior Counsel Davinder Singh and Mr Navin Thevar from Davinder Singh Chambers.

This 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.

Minister Chan, representing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, assured the public of the due legal process in handling the case. He emphasized the “robust and thorough” nature of the CPIB’s investigation, highlighting the government’s commitment to integrity and transparency.

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, Minister Iswaran has been restricted from leaving Singapore and accessing official government resources and buildings. His ministerial salary has been reduced to S$8,500, although he continues to receive his annual Member of Parliament allowance of S$192,500.

Specific details regarding the nature of the charge have not been provided by the CPIB.

Reports by the online media outlet Asia Sentinel suggest that the origins of this affair could be linked to the London trial for fraud involving Bernie Ecclestone, former Formula One CEO and the F1 Formula race held in Singapore.

This case marks a historical first in Singapore, being the first instance of a minister being charged with a criminal offence while in office.