Indian-Singapore minister resigns over corruption charges

Singapore’s Indian-origin Transport Minister S. Iswaran, who is facing corruption charges, resigned from the ruling People’s Action Party on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

The 61-year-old politician also plans to resign as a member of parliament. Straits Times The newspaper reported.

Iswaran was arrested on July 11 last year as part of an investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

His arrest was announced on July 14, according to media reports, but no details were given about the nature of the investigation. Property tycoon Ong Ben Seng, who owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix and is the chairman of race promoter Singapore Grand Prix, was arrested and asked to provide information about his interactions with Iswaran.

Iswaran denies the allegations

In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong dated January 16, Iswaran rejected the various violations accused by the CPIB.

“I deny the charges and will now focus on clearing my name. Given the circumstances, I believe it is right for me, as a Member of Parliament and as a member of the People’s Party, to resign from the Cabinet. I feel that way,” the letter reads.

In a separate letter to the prime minister dated January 17, Iswaran said he would return the salary and parliamentary allowance he received since the start of the CPIB investigation in July 2023.

“My family and I have decided to return the money because, in good conscience, I cannot profit from it, even though I was unable to perform my duties as a minister and as a member of parliament because of the investigation. ”, he said, adding: If acquitted, he will not seek these back.

Integrity is paramount: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

In response to Mr. Iswaran’s letter, the Prime Minister said on January 16, 2024, that he was disappointed and saddened that he (Mr. Iswaran) was leaving politics under these circumstances.

“However, it is essential that such matters are dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. It is the right thing to do. We must protect the integrity of the party (PAP) and the government. The importance of doing so I think Singaporeans have the same expectations.” Mr Lee said.

In a separate statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that Mr Iswaran will be replaced by Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat as of Thursday. He will also be appointed as the second Minister of Finance.

Meanwhile, Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu will take over Iswaran’s portfolio as Minister for Trade Relations.

Earlier Thursday, Iswaran appeared before a district judge and was charged with two counts of bribery.

Channel News Asia reported that he arrived at the state courthouse around 8 a.m. but did not answer reporters’ questions while walking to the courthouse entrance.

He has pleaded not guilty to a total of 27 charges, including two counts of corruption under the Anti-Corruption Act, one count of obstruction of justice, and 24 counts of receiving compensation as a public servant under the Penal Code.

Mr Iswaran is suspected of receiving more than S$160,000 from Mr Ong in September and December 2022 to sign the Singapore Grand Prix contract with the Singapore Tourism Board and promote the hotelier’s business interests. .

He also faces 24 charges for allegedly receiving valuables worth more than S$218,000, including tickets for the Singapore Grand Prix, from Mr Ong between November 2015 and December 2021 while a public servant. He was also indicted on one count of obstruction of justice in May 2023.

Mr. Iswaran has been serving as Minister of Transport since May 2021. His political career spans over 26 years since he was first elected to the National Assembly in 1997.