Trial for former Transport Minister S Iswaran to begin on September 10

The trial for former Transport Minister S Iswaran is scheduled to commence on 10 September, according to a statement released by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on Monday (12 August). The trial, initially set to begin on 13 August, was postponed at the request of Iswaran’s defence counsel.

The 62-year-old former minister from the People’s Action Party faces a total of 35 charges. These include 32 counts of obtaining valuables as a public servant, two counts of corruption, and one count of obstructing justice. The charges are linked to his interactions with property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and Lum Kok Seng, managing director of Lum Chang Holdings.

The charges against Iswaran involve alleged dealings with Mr Ong, including the receipt of various items such as tickets to the Singapore Formula One (F1) Grand Prix, football matches, and musical shows in Britain. Mr Ong, credited with bringing the F1 race to Singapore, is also the chairman of race promoter Singapore GP. The prosecution alleges that these transactions, worth approximately S$218,058.95, were influenced by Iswaran’s role as Chairman of the F1 Steering Committee.

Additionally, Iswaran is accused of receiving valuable items such as bottles of whisky, golf clubs, and a Brompton bicycle from Mr Lum, with a combined value of approximately S$18,956.94. These items were allegedly received while Mr Lum was overseeing the T315 contract, which involved addition and alteration works to the Tanah Merah Station and viaducts under Lum Chang Building Contractors and the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

Iswaran was first handed 27 charges on 18 January 2024. He was later charged with eight more offences on 25 March 2024, related to items allegedly received from Mr Lum. Following these charges, Iswaran issued a statement proclaiming his innocence and resigned from the People’s Action Party and his roles as Transport Minister and West Coast GRC MP on 16 January 2024.

Iswaran was last in open court in July, where he lost his bid to compel the prosecution to make available to the defence all statements by prosecution witnesses. The prosecution stated that no conditioned statements had been recorded by witnesses, including Iswaran’s wife, Ms Kay Mary Taylor, as they intend to have witnesses provide oral testimony during the trial.

The trial will be heard in the High Court, following a successful application by the prosecution in March, citing strong public interest in the case. The defence agreed to this, emphasizing Iswaran’s desire for an early trial so that the evidence can be fully aired and the matter resolved swiftly.

If convicted of obtaining valuable items as a public servant, Iswaran could face a prison sentence of up to two years, a fine, or both.

Conviction under the Prevention of Corruption Act for corruptly obtaining gratification could result in a sentence of up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to S$100,000, or both.

Additionally, if convicted of obstructing justice, Iswaran could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.