Singapore’s former transport minister pleaded guilty to bribery and obstruction of justice after the city-state’s prosecution altered the charges against him, an unexpected turn in the most significant political scandal in nearly four decades.
S. Iswaran, 62, was found guilty on Tuesday after the revised charges were read to him. This outcome was unexpected as the former politician had pledged to defend himself against a series of charges including corruption.
The court will sentence Iswaran on Oct. 3 and he is currently free on bail. Prosecutors requested a seven-month jail term while his defense lawyers sought a maximum sentence of eight weeks.
The case has emerged during a politically sensitive period as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong prepares to lead the ruling People’s Action Party in a general election after assuming leadership from Lee Hsien Loong in May. The case against Iswaran, who has left the PAP, poses a challenge for a party whose reputation for clean governance has been instrumental in its electoral victories since Singapore’s independence in 1965.
“My lawyers have presented the situation clearly,” Iswaran told reporters outside the courthouse. “Let’s see how it unfolds.”
The last instance of a former minister being sentenced to jail in Singapore was in 1975. Then-Minister of State for Environment Wee Toon Boon was sentenced to 18 months in jail for accepting a two-story house and land.
“The Singapore government is widely recognized for its longstanding commitment to integrity and honest governance,” Deputy Attorney General Tai Wei Shyong said during the hearing. “The accused’s actions have had a significant impact on this hard-earned reputation.”
Iswaran was initially charged with 35 counts, including corruption. He was accused of receiving more than S$403,000 ($312,000) in luxury goods, including tickets to musicals and soccer matches in the UK.
His lawyer Davinder Singh stated that there was no indication that Iswaran’s loyalty to the government was compromised. Nevertheless, prosecuting Iswaran sent a “powerful message” about the country’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, Singh added.
F1 races
The investigation into Iswaran came to light last year when Lee ordered him to go on leave. Subsequently, he was arrested alongside property tycoon Ong Beng Seng. Iswaran was charged in January for allegedly accepting favors from Ong, such as tickets to musicals in the West End. Ong has not been charged and was recently observed at the sold-out Formula 1 night race over the weekend in Singapore.
Known for bringing F1 racing to Singapore, Iswaran is the first minister to be entangled in a corruption probe since 1986 when then-Minister for National Development Teh Cheang Wan was investigated for accepting bribes. Teh denied receiving the money and passed away before formal charges could be brought against him.
In Iswaran’s case, the majority of the prosecution’s charges relate to his interactions with Ong, who holds the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix and serves as chairman of race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd. The allegations encompass Iswaran obtaining tickets for UK soccer matches, taking a flight on Ong’s private jet, and acquiring tickets to the F1 race in Singapore.
Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the F1 contracts were unfavorable to the government and indicated that they would review the terms. A ministry spokesperson confirmed that the review is ongoing.
Another round of charges in March accused Iswaran of obtaining nearly S$19,000 worth of luxury items, including whisky bottles, a Brompton bicycle, and golf clubs, from a managing director of a local firm in connection with a construction contract for a train station. The executive has not been charged.
While the next general election is required to be held by November 2025, it could take place earlier. Observers suggest that Wong is likely to seek an early mandate before growing economic uncertainties have a more significant impact on the trade-dependent nation. The PAP experienced its worst performance in 2020—despite securing 89% of parliamentary seats—partially attributed to concerns about the economy.
When Iswaran was charged in January, Wong stated that the city-state’s commitment to upholding clean governance was “unwavering.”
“This is ingrained in our values,” he said. “There can be no compromise, no leniency, no manipulation of this, regardless of the political cost.”