International
Ex-Singapore Minister Sentenced To 12 Months In Prison
Iswaran, who served as a cabinet member for 13 years, pleaded guilty to four counts of improperly receiving gifts valued at over $300,000 and one count of obstructing justice.
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The court imposed a harsher sentence than the six to seven months requested by prosecutors, with the judge describing the shorter term as “manifestly inadequate” given the severity of the offenses and their impact on public trust.
The case has shaken Singapore, known for its efficient and clean governance.
Iswaran is accused of accepting extravagant gifts while serving as transport minister, including tickets to Singapore’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, English Premier League matches, London musicals, and even a private jet ride.
He is also alleged to have taken kickbacks from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who holds the rights to the Grand Prix. Ong has not been charged and has yet to comment on the allegations.
Iswaran initially denied wrongdoing but last week pleaded guilty to five charges, two of which were altered from corruption to improperly receiving gifts as a public servant.
The attorney-general’s chambers cited the difficulty of proving corruption charges beyond a reasonable doubt as the reason for the amendments. They will decide soon whether to take action against Ong.
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The court has allowed Iswaran to remain on bail until he begins his prison term on Monday.
Singapore, ranked among the world’s top five least corrupt countries by Transparency International, has not seen a similar case involving a minister since 1986, when a national development minister was investigated for alleged bribery but died before charges were filed.
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