Iswaran trial: Members of public arrive at Supreme Court from 5am to get tickets

Members of the public showed up to attend the first day of the trial of former Minister for Transport S Iswaran on 24 September. Among them were retirees interested in the broader implications of the case for public servants. One attendee mentioned his interest in watching the case because of Davinder Singh, Iswaran's defence lawyer. Another member of the public arrived as early as 5am, according to CNA. Iswaran faces a total of 35 charges, including 32 counts of obtaining valuables as a public servant, two counts of corruption, and one of obstructing justice.

Background

Iswaran's case came to light when the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) found information during another investigation. This initiated a quiet investigation in May 2023, and then-Prime Minister Lee was alerted on 29 May 2023. On 5 July 2023, CPIB informed then-PM Lee that they had gathered sufficient information to launch a formal investigation into Iswaran. The PM gave his concurrence, and Iswaran was subsequently arrested by CPIB on 11 July 2023, the same day as billionaire hotelier Ong Beng Seng. Both were released on bail. Iswaran was instructed to take a leave of absence until CPIB's investigations were completed, with no access to official resources and government buildings. On 18 January 2024, Iswaran was handed 27 charges related to corruption and obstructing justice. He pleaded not guilty and released a statement saying, "I am innocent and will now focus on clearing my name." He was then handed eight new charges on 25 March, bringing the total number of charges to 35. According to the new charges, Iswaran allegedly obtained bottles of whisky, golf clubs, and a Brompton bicycle from Lum Kok Seng, who was involved in business transactions connected to Iswaran's official function as Minister for Transport. Iswaran also pleaded not guilty to these charges. On 8 May 2024, the High Court granted Iswaran's request for a joint trial for all criminal charges against him. More than 50 witnesses have been listed for the trial, including Ong. Iswaran made three bids for the prosecution to hand over all the statements of the witnesses it intends to call at trial, but these were all rejected, CNA reported. Iswaran's trial was initially set to begin on 10 September but was postponed to 24 September after a joint request by Iswaran's legal team and the prosecution, according to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

Tickets given out

Tickets were distributed by a security guard at the glass door. As of 8am, 18 out of 45 tickets had been given out. At 8:20am, members of the public were directed to queue outside the courtroom, with 20 to 21 tickets having been distributed by then. Ticket distribution was then moved inside the building.

Early arrivals

One of those in the queue, surnamed Sim, arrived at 6:25am to get his ticket. He told Fathership he managed to clinch the fifth ticket at 7am. The elderly retiree, who regularly watches public trials, said he was interested in the implications of Iswaran's case for public servants receiving gifts. This is the first time a case involving Section 165 of the Penal Code is heard in court, which makes it an offence for public servants to accept gifts from those involved with them in an official capacity. Another onlooker, 70-year-old Leong, got up early at 6am to get a ticket to attend the trial. The 17th ticket holder, Leong said he watches high-profile cases and is particularly interested in this trial because Davinder Singh is the defence lawyer. "So that’s what attracts me here. If he handles the case, I’ll try and attend," said Leong, adding that he could be described as a fan of the lawyer's.

Public interest and future implications

The trial has garnered significant public interest, with many keen to see how the case unfolds and its implications for public servants. The involvement of high-profile figures like Davinder Singh has added to the case's intrigue. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future cases involving public servants and the acceptance of gifts, potentially leading to stricter regulations and oversight. The public's response and the trial's proceedings will be closely watched, with many anticipating the impact it will have on Singapore's legal and political landscape.

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