Former transport minister S Iswaran pleaded guilty to five charges in court on Tuesday, 24 September. The court heard that Iswaran has made a disgorgement to the state amounting to S$380,305.95. Items given to Iswaran, which were seized during investigations, have also been forfeited to the state. Deputy Attorney-General Tai Wei Shyong stated that the total value of the gifts Iswaran received from two local businessmen, Ong Beng Seng and Lum Kok Seng, amounted to S$403,297. Tai added that Iswaran was aware that Ong and Lum were directly involved in business connected with his official functions during his tenure.
Background
Iswaran, who was the minister responsible for overseeing the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and chairman of the F1 steering committee, received gifts from Ong while negotiating about Formula 1. Additionally, Lum, involved in business transactions with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), gave Iswaran various items during his time as transport minister. The case highlights the significant conflict of interest, as Iswaran held portfolios that had official dealings with both businessmen.
A breakdown
From November 2015 to September 2022, Iswaran obtained numerous tickets to football matches, Grand Prix F1, and theatre shows from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng. Additionally, from 2012 to 2022, Iswaran received 22 bottles of alcohol from Lum Kok Seng, the managing director of Lum Chan Holdings, which he did not declare to the government. This included four bottles of whiskey worth over S$1,000. Other items included golf clubs and a Brompton bicycle gifted to him by Lum for his 60th birthday.
Legal proceedings
During the court hearing, Deputy Attorney-General Tai Wei Shyong emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting that Iswaran’s acceptance of these gifts while holding significant ministerial roles posed a severe conflict of interest. Tai pointed out that Iswaran’s actions compromised the integrity of his office, given his direct involvement in projects and negotiations with the businessmen who provided the gifts.
Future implications
Iswaran’s case has set a precedent in Singapore’s legal and political landscape, highlighting the stringent measures against corruption within the government. The forfeiture of items and the substantial disgorgement to the state serve as a stern reminder of the consequences of unethical conduct. Moving forward, this case may prompt stricter regulations and oversight to prevent similar incidents, ensuring that public officials maintain the highest standards of integrity.
