Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Ex-Singaporean minister Iswaran jailed over corruption scandal

POSTED ON October 3, 2024 •   Politics      BY Benedicta Bassey
Former Singaporean minister, S. Iswaran/ Photo credit: South China post

A court sitting in Singapore on Thursday sentenced former cabinet minister S. Iswaran to 12 months in prison for obstructing justice and receiving more than $300,000 in gifts.

This sentence marks the first imprisonment of an ex-minister in the city-state known for its clean governance.

Iswaran, who served in various ministerial roles for 13 years, however, pleaded guilty to four counts of improperly receiving gifts and one count of obstructing justice.

The sentence exceeded the prosecution’s recommendation of six to seven months, which presiding judge Vincent Hoong deemed “manifestly inadequate” due to the seriousness of Iswaran’s offences and the potential damage to public trust.

“Trust and confidence in public institutions are the foundation of effective governance,” Hoong emphasised, noting that Iswaran’s actions had the potential to undermine these values.

The case has caused widespread shock and spat in Singapore, a nation with a global reputation for its efficient, well-paid bureaucracy and strong commitment to integrity in public service.

According to Transparency International, Singapore ranked among the top five least corrupt countries last year.

The last corruption-related case involving a Singaporean minister occurred in 1986, though charges were never filed as the minister in question died before any court action.

Iswaran’s charges stemmed from allegations that he accepted expensive gifts, including tickets to Premier League soccer matches, the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, and private jet rides, while serving as transport minister.

The gifts totaled over S$400,000 (US$308,880). Although initially maintaining his innocence, Iswaran later pleaded guilty to the charges.

The former minister was arrested in July last year, and the case also implicated property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ong has not been charged, but authorities are still deciding whether to take action against him.

Judge Hoong underscored the heightened culpability of high-ranking officials who hold influence over significant business dealings, adding that Iswaran’s actions demanded accountability.

Iswaran was allowed to remain on bail and would begin his sentence on Monday.

 

READ ALSO
Oshiomhole, Sowore Clashes Over Nigeria's democracy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

The 2023 Presidential Candidate for the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, and the Senator for...

READ ALSO
Tinubu Marks Second Anniversary, Highlights Reforms for a Prosperous Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu emphasizes that the reforms he has implemented over the last two years are est...

READ ALSO
FULL TEXT: President Tinubu’s second-year anniversary speech
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

Fellow Nigerians, as we mark the second anniversary of our administration, I salute your resilience...

READ ALSO
Former CBN Governor Seeks to Overturn Forfeiture of Abuja Estate
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has filed a petiti...

READ ALSO
MAY 29: Fubara Reaffirms Commitment to Rivers State Amid Political Turmoil
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

RIVERS, Nigeria - Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment...

READ ALSO
Buhari Urges Patience with Economic Reforms under Tinubu's Leadership
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 28, 2025 0

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians that the ongoing economic reforms under his suc...

READ ALSO
Economists Warn of Debt Sustainability Risks as Nigeria Eyes $24.14 Billion in Foreign Loans
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 28, 2025 0

Nigeria's public debt is poised for another substantial increase as President Bola Tinubu has sought...

READ ALSO
Court Orders El-Rufai to Compensate community Elders N900M for Illegal Detention
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 28, 2025 0

KADUNA, Nigeria - A Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-R...

OUR CHANNELS:

FULL TEXT: President Tinubu’s second-year anniversary speech
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 30, 2025 0

Fellow Nigerians, as we mark the second anniversary of our administration, I salute your resilience...


Former CBN Governor Seeks to Overturn Forfeiture of Abuja Estate
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 30, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has filed a petiti...


MAY 29: Fubara Reaffirms Commitment to Rivers State Amid Political Turmoil
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

RIVERS, Nigeria - Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment...


South Africa Surpasses Nigeria in Fuel Imports Amid Dangote Refinery Operations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 30, 2025 0

Nigeria has lost its long-standing title as Africa’s largest importer of refined petroleum pro...


Ogun Calls Athlete Protest "Impatience" Amid Unpaid Allowances
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 30, 2025 0

OGUN, Nigeria - The Ogun State Government has labeled the protest held by athletes representing the...


SEC Flags Silverkuun Investment Cooperative as Unregistered, Warn Nigerians
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 30, 2025 0

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cautioned Nigerians about putting their money in un...


ECOWAS Leaders Stress Collective Responsibility in Combating Drug Abuse
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged its member countries to collaborate...


Nigeria to Launch 7,000 Digital Hospitals to Transform Rural Healthcare
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, says...


Buhari Urges Patience with Economic Reforms under Tinubu's Leadership
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians that the ongoing economic reforms under his suc...


WHO Struggles to Stabilize Finances Amid $1.7 Billion Deficit and Major Donor Withdrawal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 29, 2025 0

The World Health Organization (WHO) attempted to stabilize its finances during its annual assembly t...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu