Singapore Transport Minister S Iswaran Resigns Amid Corruption Charges

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Singapore’s Transport Minister, S Iswaran, has resigned following formal charges, including corruption, presented by the country’s anti-graft agency after months of investigations. Iswaran appeared in court on Thursday, facing 27 charges, including 24 charges of obtaining gratification as a public servant, two charges of corruption, and one charge of obstructing justice. He pleaded not guilty.

The minister had resigned two days before his court appearance, as per a statement from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat will be promoted to a full minister, taking over Iswaran’s portfolio.

In letters to Prime Minister Lee, Iswaran expressed his intention to return the salary and allowances received as minister and a member of Parliament since the investigation began in July, emphasizing his innocence. Iswaran is accused of obtaining tickets for the Singapore Grand Prix, soccer matches, and UK shows from billionaire Ong Beng Seng.

According to CNBC’s calculations, Iswaran acquired 116 tickets to the Singapore Grand Prix between 2016 and 2022, valued at 347,152.10 Singapore dollars ($258,388.78). The anti-graft agency had arrested Ong in July, seeking information on his interactions with Iswaran.

Singapore’s Attorney General’s Chambers noted that investigations also encompassed other individuals, including Ong. The AGC stated that a decision on the investigations against Ong and others would be made after Iswaran’s case is completed.

Iswaran is the first cabinet minister in Singapore to face corruption charges since 1986. The rarity of political scandals in Singapore, known for its clean government and strong anti-corruption stance, adds significance to this case. The country, ranked fifth on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, pays its ministers the highest salaries globally.