Former Singapore minister is jailed for a year for receiving gifts in landmark case
A Singapore court sentenced a former minister to 12 months in prison in the first jailing of a former cabinet member in a city-state known for clean governance.
SINGAPORE — A Singapore court on Thursday sentenced a former minister to 12 months in prison for obstructing justice and receiving more than $300,000 worth of gifts, in the first jailing of a former cabinet member in a city-state famous for its clean governance.
S. Iswaran, who was a cabinet member for 13 years and has held the trade, communications and transport portfolios, pleaded guilty last week to four counts of improperly receiving gifts and one of obstructing justice.
In a statement posted on the prime minister’s office website, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he was disappointed and saddened by the case. He said that while it was painful to act against a colleague and a friend, “it is our duty to do so when necessary.”
“Our system of government and politics must always stay clean and free from corruption,” said Wong, who took over as Singapore’s fourth premier in May this year.
Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who gave Iswaran tickets to English Premier League soccer matches, the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, London musicals and a ride on a private jet among other favors, will be charged in court on Friday, according to a court hearing list.
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