SINGAPORE — A Singaporean minister has been charged with corruption. This is an unusual incident that shocked a country that prides itself on its squeamish governance.
Subramaniam Iswaran has pleaded not guilty to 27 charges, including “obtaining satisfaction as a public servant.”
He is best known for overseeing Singapore’s tourism industry around the time the Formula 1 Grand Prix made its splashy debut in the city-state.
Iswaran resigned from his government post on Thursday.
News of corruption charges dominated Singapore media headlines.
An indictment released by prosecutors alleges that in exchange for promoting the business interests of property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, he was given 160,000 Singapore dollars ($119,145, £93,850) worth of flights, hotel stays and grand prize tickets. It has been revealed that the suspect was given a gift.
He is also suspected of receiving tickets to West End musicals and football matches.
Mr Iswaran was arrested last year along with Mr Ong, who was instrumental in bringing F1 racing to Singapore in 2008. Mr. Ong is named in all of Mr. Iswaran’s charges, and in many cases as the party offering the bribes.
“I reject the charges and am innocent,” Iswaran wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday.
In addition to announcing his resignation, he also said he would return his salary and benefits since an investigation into his case began last July.
Iswaran was placed on administrative leave when he was arrested, but was still paid a monthly salary of S$8,500. As an MP, he also received an allowance of more than S$15,000 a month.
Singapore’s parliamentarians are among the highest paid in the world, with starting salaries for ministers exceeding S$45,000 per month. Leaders justify this by saying it is to fight corruption.
Iswaran is a veteran of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and has served on the boards of several major companies throughout his career.
During his time in government, he held several positions in the Prime Minister’s Office, Home Affairs, Communications and most recently the Department for Transport.
But it was during his long stint at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry that he rose to fame. Iswaran was instrumental in developing Singapore’s tourism landscape from the late 2000s to his 2010s.
This was a time when governments poured vast resources into building casinos, hotels, tourist attractions, and events such as Formula 1 racing, inviting billions of dollars in foreign investment.
He was a familiar face on the podium, often handing out trophies to drivers amid a splash of celebratory champagne.
The case against him is one in a series of embarrassing political scandals that have rocked the PAP, which has long touted a strong stance against corruption and unethical behavior.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee on Thursday accepted Mr Iswaran’s resignation and said the government had dealt with the matter “strictly”.
“I am determined to uphold the integrity of our party and government, and our reputation for honesty and incorruption. I hope Singaporeans will do the same.”
The last time a minister faced a corruption investigation was in 1986, when National Development Minister Te Chang Wan was investigated for bribery. He took his own life before being charged. — BBC