AGC: Former minister Iswaran returned to Singapore and surrendered passport

Update on 20 March at 9.35 am: it has been reported that the AGC shared that Iswaran returned to Singapore and has surrendered his passport.

SINGAPORE: According to a spokesperson from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), former Transport Minister S. Iswaran has returned to Singapore from Melbourne, Australia, and has voluntarily surrendered his passport to the authorities. This announcement was made on Wednesday (20 March).

As reported by Singapore state media CNA, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) spokesperson disclosed that the criminal case disclosure conference for S. Iswaran has been adjourned to 2 April.

This conference involves both sides sharing information about the case, including outlining their arguments and presenting evidence, to streamline the trial process.

Mr Iswaran, facing 27 charges including corruption, has been allowed to leave Singapore to help his son with university in Australia, under strict conditions including S$500,000 bail.

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

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.

While permitted to remain abroad, Iswaran is obligated to engage in daily video calls with the IO.

He must provide regular updates on his medical condition and address any concerns related to his return to Singapore on 19 March.

As reported by Singapore state media the Straits Times, the prosecution clarified that it remained informed throughout the process.

Upon his discharge from the Melbourne hospital on 5 March, Mr Iswaran received medical advice advising against travel for the subsequent 12 days.

A spokesperson from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) stated, “The prosecution was informed on 5 March that Mr Iswaran had been discharged from hospital that day and that Mr Iswaran was advised by his doctor not to travel for 12 days following the discharge.”

Mr Israwan faces 27 charges that span across corruption, receiving gratification as a public servant, and obstructing justice.

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 (PAP) 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.

If convicted, Iswaran faces fines up to S$100,000, jail terms up to seven years, or both for each corruption charge.