KUALA LUMPUR – Singaporean Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, expressed disappointment over the conviction of former Minister S. Iswaran, saying that while the latter made significant contributions throughout his political career, these accomplishments do not absolve him of his wrongdoings.
“His past contributions do not right this wrong,” Wong said in a statement following Iswaran’s sentencing to 12 months of imprisonment for bribery and obstruction of justice yesterday.
The former minister pleaded guilty to four charges of obtaining valuable items as a public servant under Section 165 of the Penal Code and one count of obstructing justice under Section 204A(a). Another 30 charges under Section 165 were taken into consideration for sentencing.
Wong acknowledged Iswaran’s service as a Member of Parliament for over 25 years, highlighting his work in the Ministry of Communications and Information, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
However, Wong emphasised that Singapore’s political system must remain “clean and free from corruption”.
“Those entrusted with public service must uphold the highest standards of integrity, and their conduct must be beyond reproach. This is absolutely vital and non-negotiable,” Wong added.
Iswaran, who had resigned from his ministerial role, his position as a Member of Parliament, and as a member of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), was found guilty of receiving gifts while in office and attempting to obstruct the course of justice.
Justice Vincent Hoong, in delivering the sentence, said he could not align with either the prosecution’s or the defence’s positions, deciding instead to impose a sentence exceeding both parties’ recommendations.
The defence, led by Davinder Singh, had argued for leniency, citing that Iswaran’s acceptance of gifts had no impact on government impartiality. However, the court viewed the offences as a significant breach of public trust. Iswaran’s surrender date to begin his sentence was set for October 7, pending any applications, with bail extended under current conditions.
Wong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, noting that no public officer is beyond scrutiny or above the law. The case comes at a crucial time for Singapore’s political landscape, as Wong prepares to lead the PAP into the upcoming general election following his succession of former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong earlier this year.
“This is what happened in Mr Iswaran’s case. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) thoroughly investigated the matter, and the Public Prosecutor decided to press charges. Our system ensures accountability at all levels,” Wong said.
Iswaran, 62, had initially faced two corruption charges, which were later reduced to lesser offences under Section 165, prohibiting public servants from accepting gifts from individuals connected to them in an official capacity. – October 4, 2024