Singapore’s ex-transport minister Iswaran faces trial in ‘high-stakes’ corruption case

The trial, set for Tuesday, could challenge the PAP’s image and bring lesser-known aspects of public service to light, observers say

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S Iswaran, Singapore’s former transport minister, leaves the State Courts in March. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 12:00pm, 23 Sep 2024

Singapore’s former transport minister S Iswaran is set to appear in court on Tuesday for the most high-profile corruption trial in the city state’s 59-year post-independence history.

Regardless of the verdict, political observers told This Week in Asia that the court battle could affect the reputation of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), with elections expected in just over a year. The case has drawn considerable public attention since it first came to light in July 2023.

“This is definitely high stakes for the PAP because he was a cabinet minister at the time. After all, they predicate on the fact that they are incorruptible,” said independent political observer Felix Tan, referring to the party’s long-standing commitment to zero tolerance on bribery.

Iswaran, who entered politics in 1997, has maintained his innocence since legal proceedings began in January. The 62-year-old faces a total of 35 charges: two for corruption, one for obstructing justice, and 32 for accepting valuables as a public servant.

The items he allegedly received, valued at around S$400,000 (US$308,800), include tickets to the Singapore Grand Prix, Premier League matches, West End musicals, bottles of whisky, golf clubs, and a private jet ride. Court documents indicate these gifts came from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and businessman David Lum Kok Seng, neither of whom have been charged.

Iswaran with Formula One group chief executive Stefano Domenicali (centre) and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng (right) in 2022. Photo: Facebook/S Iswaran

Prosecutors allege some gifts were intended to advance Ong’s business interests concerning a contract between the country’s tourism board and the Singapore Grand Prix, for which Ong holds the rights. Iswaran, as the minister in charge of trade relations, oversaw this matter and allegedly also accepted items from Lum, the managing director of a company involved in the construction of a railway station.