Singapore’s political landscape was thrown into turmoil as Transport Minister S Iswaran resigned from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and stepped down as a Member of Parliament amid allegations of corruption. The 61-year-old minister’s resignation comes after he was arrested in July 2023 as part of an investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).
In his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and dated January 16, Iswaran rejected the charges brought against him by the CPIB. The nature of the investigation was not disclosed publicly, but it was revealed that property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, chairman of Singapore GP, was also arrested and asked to provide information about his interactions with Iswaran.
Iswaran’s resignation marks a significant development in Singapore’s political scene, and the move is likely to impact the ruling party’s image. The minister’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings have raised questions about transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within the government.
The CPIB investigation alleged that Iswaran accepted bribes and gratification from Ong Beng Seng to advance the hotelier’s business interests related to the Singapore Grand Prix contract with the Singapore Tourism Board. The charges include corruption, obstructing justice, and receiving gratification as a public servant.
On January 18, Iswaran appeared before a district judge and pleaded not guilty to 27 charges. These charges include two counts of corruption, one count of obstructing justice, and 24 counts of receiving gratification as a public servant. The alleged offenses occurred between November 2015 and December 2022.
The charges specifically claim that Iswaran accepted more than SGD 160,000 from Ong to favorably influence the Singapore Grand Prix contract. Additionally, he faces 24 charges related to accepting valuable items, including Singapore Grand Prix tickets, between November 2015 and December 2021 while being a public servant. One charge of obstructing justice in May 2023 was also leveled against him.
In response to the allegations, Iswaran announced his decision to resign from the cabinet, parliament, and the PAP. He emphasized his commitment to clearing his name and expressed his intention to focus on the legal proceedings against him. Iswaran also stated that he would return his salary and MP allowance received since the commencement of the CPIB investigations in July 2023.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed disappointment and sadness over Iswaran’s resignation. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed that Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat would replace Iswaran effective immediately. Chee Hong Tat would also be appointed Second Minister for Finance. Additionally, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu would take over Iswaran’s portfolio as the Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations.
The scandal surrounding Iswaran’s resignation raises concerns about the potential impact on Singapore’s political stability and the reputation of the ruling party. The PAP has long been regarded as a party that values integrity and clean governance, and any allegations of corruption involving its members could have far-reaching consequences.
The timing of Iswaran’s resignation is noteworthy as Singapore prepares for the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Temple on January 22. The government has declared a half-day closure of central government offices on that day to allow employees to participate in the celebrations. Iswaran’s resignation could overshadow these events and shift public attention towards the political scandal.
As legal proceedings unfold, the Singaporean public will closely watch the developments surrounding transport minister Iswaran’s case and its implications for the political landscape. The PAP, known for its strict adherence to ethical conduct, will likely face increased scrutiny, and the party leadership will need to navigate the challenges posed by this high-profile corruption scandal.