In a rare corruption trial involving a senior politician in Singapore, former transport minister S Iswaran has pleaded guilty to accepting gifts worth thousands of dollars while in office. Iswaran initially faced 25 charges but pleaded guilty to five charges on the first day of his trial. The charges included breaching the Penal Code and obstruction of justice. He admitted to accepting gifts from two businessmen, including tickets to shows, flights, bottles of whisky, and a bicycle.
Iswaran, who helped bring the Formula One night race to Singapore, resigned in January amid the investigation. He paid back $295,000 to the state and will forfeit the gifts he received. He is the first political officeholder in nearly four decades to face trial for corruption in Singapore. This case comes as former Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan Jin resigned after admitting to an extramarital affair with a fellow party lawmaker.
Although Singapore is ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, this case highlights the importance of maintaining integrity in public office. The last corruption investigation involving a minister was in 1986, when former Minister Teh Cheang Wan was accused of accepting bribes and later took his own life. As Iswaran’s trial continues, the spotlight is on the country’s anti-corruption measures and the consequences for those who violate them.
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