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Singapore’s transport minister, S Iswaran, has stepped down from his position after being formally charged with corruption by the country’s anti-graft agency. The announcement comes after months of investigation and has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political landscape.
Charges and Resignation
On Thursday, Iswaran appeared before the court, where he faced a total of 27 charges. These charges include 24 counts of obtaining gratification as a public servant, two charges of corruption, and one charge of obstructing the course of justice. Iswaran pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Two days prior to his court appearance, Iswaran tendered his resignation, which was accepted by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. In a statement, the prime minister’s office announced that Chee Hong Tat, the acting transport minister, would be promoted to full minister and assume Iswaran’s responsibilities.
Returning Compensation
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Lee, Iswaran expressed his intention to return the salary and allowances he received as a minister and member of parliament since the start of the investigation. He emphasized that he was innocent of the charges and would not seek the return of the funds if he was acquitted, reaffirming his belief in his innocence.
Allegations against Iswaran
The charges against Iswaran stem from allegations of receiving tickets to various high-profile events from billionaire Ong Beng Seng. These events include the Singapore Grand Prix, soccer matches, and shows in the UK. According to CNBC’s calculations, Iswaran obtained 116 tickets to the Singapore Grand Prix between 2016 and 2022, with a total value of $258,388.78.
Ong Beng Seng is credited with bringing Formula 1 to Singapore in 2008, and his firm Singapore GP recently secured the rights to host the Singapore Grand Prix until 2028. Last July, Ong was arrested by Singapore’s anti-graft agency as part of its investigation into the matter.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
The Attorney General’s Chambers in Singapore stated that it would make a decision regarding the investigations into Ong Beng Seng and others involved after Iswaran’s case is completed and evidence has been presented in court. Iswaran is the first cabinet minister in Singapore to be charged with corruption since 1986.
The charges against Iswaran have cast a shadow on Singapore’s reputation for clean government and incorruptibility. The nation, known for paying its ministers the highest salaries in the world, currently ranks fifth on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.
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Source: NBC News