Former Transport Minister S. Iswaran granted extension on overseas trip amid corruption charges

S. Iswaran, the former Transport Minister of Singapore, who is currently facing a series of corruption charges and in Australia to help settle his son into university, has seen his trip lengthened by 16 days following the court's approval.

Initially slated from 16 February to 4 March, his stay has now been extended to 19 March, as said by a spokesperson from the Attorney-General Chambers (AGC) on 4 March.

"At an urgent mention at the State Courts today, the defence filed an application to extend Mr Iswaran's permission to leave jurisdiction by 16 days, until Mar 19, 2024, as he had fallen ill while in Australia."

Iswaran is represented by Senior Counsel Davinder Singh and other counsels from Davinder Singh Chambers.

Despite the gravity of the charges against him, the AGC has not objected to this latest application but has imposed enhanced bail conditions on Iswaran.

These include daily video call check-ins with the investigating officer to update on his medical condition and confirm his commitment to return to Singapore by the stipulated date of 19 March.

Iswaran, who is out on S$800,000 bail, faces 27 charges that span across corruption, receiving gratification as a public servant, and obstructing justice. As part of his bail conditions, he is required to surrender his passport to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau by 20 March.

The case, which has stirred significant public interest, is set to be transferred to the High Court upon Iswaran's return.

The charges against him include obtaining items valued at over S$218,058.95 on 24 occasions between November 2015 and December 2021 from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, a notable figure who brought Formula One to Singapore.

Ong is also under investigation and on bail, though charges by the AGC have yet to be filed against him.

Iswaran, who has served as an MP for West Coast GRC for 26 years and was promoted to full minister in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2011, has resigned from the People’s Action Party and stepped down from his ministerial and MP positions following the charges. He has publicly declared his innocence and expressed his intention to clear his name.

The case continues to unfold, with Iswaran facing the possibility of fines up to S$100,000, jail terms up to seven years, or both for each corruption charge. The charge of obstructing justice carries a similar severity in penalties, highlighting the serious consequences that lie ahead for the former minister.