It seems like quite a while since we last heard about Transport Minister S Iswaran in the news.
Minister Iswaran made headlines in the past year due to his involvement in a CPIB probe.
After six months, the CPIB has finally concluded its investigation into the S Iswaran case.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing announced on Tuesday (9 January 2024) that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has completed its inquiry into Iswaran.
He also mentioned that the case is now under review by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
Hazel Poa, a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) from the Progress Singapore Party, had posed this query to get an update on CPIB’s investigation into Iswaran.
“I understand that there is much public interest in this matter,” Chan said. “I want to give my assurance that this case will be put through the due legal process.”
He emphasised that the CPIB had conducted a comprehensive and meticulous investigation, and the case had been passed on to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
He further said it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter at the moment.
What is the Attorney-General of Singapore?
The Attorney-General of Singapore holds an important position as the government’s chief legal counsel.
They offer invaluable legal counsel on various issues, serve as the government’s legal representative in court proceedings, and supervise criminal prosecutions.
Their overarching mission is to fortify the rule of law and promote constitutional governance in Singapore.
This is achieved through providing sound legal advice, advancing a just and adaptable legal system, supporting effective public administration, and safeguarding the state’s and the people’s interests.
Iswaran Assisting CPIB With Anti-Graft Probe
On 12 July 2023, the CPIB first disclosed that Iswaran was cooperating in an inquiry linked to a case uncovered by the anti-corruption agency.
Two days later, the CPIB announced that the Transport Minister had been arrested on 11 July 2023 and released on bail.
Simultaneously, Hotel Properties Limited’s Managing Director, Ong Beng Seng, was arrested. He is the man who brought the iconic F1 Grand Prix to Singapore.
The origins of this corruption inquiry trace back to an unrelated investigation involving a distinct matter.
Further details about the nature of the investigation concerning Iswaran remain undisclosed.
In July 2023, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong placed Iswaran on a leave of absence pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
Additionally, Lee reduced Iswaran’s monthly pay to S$8,500 until further notice, although Iswaran continues to receive his full annual Member of Parliament allowance of S$192,500.
During Iswaran’s absence, Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat has assumed the role of Acting Minister for Transport.
The CPIB investigation into Iswaran has been kept under wraps, with no information regarding the specific nature of the allegations or the bail amount being disclosed.
Iswaran has been an MP for West Coast GRC since 1997, having served for 26 years.
He became a full minister in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2011 and has held ministerial roles in education, home affairs, and communications and information.
Investigations like these are uncommon in Singapore’s political scene.
According to The Straits Times, the last time a Cabinet minister faced a CPIB probe was in November 1986, when National Development Minister Teh Cheang Wan was investigated for bribery.
Unfortunately, Teh passed away before facing charges in court.