When the news first came out, literally everyone was stunned: Singaporeans, local media outlets, foreign media outlets, my half-naked neighbour Ah Seng, everyone.
After all, for the first time since 1986, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has launched an anti-graft probe concerning a cabinet minister:
Current Transport Minister S.Iswaran.
After being called in for assistance, Minister Iswaran was subsequently put on a compulsory leave of absence and had his duties temporarily relieved.
CPIB has stated its intention to “investigate this case thoroughly with strong resolve to establish the facts and the truth, and to uphold the rule of law.” It will also “not hesitate to take action against any parties involved in corrupt activities.”
Transport Minister S.Iswaran Will Stay in Singapore With No Access to Official Resources & Government Buildings During CPIB Probe
And it seems that the case is just getting started.
On 13 July 2023, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that during Minister Iswaran’s leave of absence, he would not be allowed to leave Singapore.
At the same time, Minister Iswaran will also not be allowed to access official resources and government buildings, the PMO added in response to media inquiries.
No visiting the Istana on his off days, I guess. But buses and MRTs will always be available.
Property Tycoon Ong Beng Seng
Minister S.Iswaran was not the only individual to have been called in by the CPIB. He was, however, the only one to be named.
Until now.
Apparently, billionaire property tycoon Ong Beng Seng has been handed a notice of arrest and will be required to cooperate with the CPIB in regard to information concerning Minister Iswaran.
No charges, however, have been filed against Mr Ong, who’s the managing director of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL).
Mr Ong was reportedly spotted at CPIB’s headquarters on 12 July 2023. He’s currently out on bail of S$100,000, and is going overseas today (14 July 2023).
His passport will be taken once he returns.
HPL has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation. At the current moment, Mr Ong is considered “suitable” to continue his duties as managing director.
Mr Ong, who owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix, had business ties with Minister Iswaran when the latter was at Temasek.
Minister Iswaran was previously summoned by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) to assist with investigations.
The exact details, however, have yet to be released.
During this turbulent period, he will be on a leave of absence administered by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
And while he is “away”, Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat will take over as Acting Minister for Transport. As for his MP duties, they will be covered by his fellow MPs from West Coast GRC.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee has since confirmed the unofficial handover of MP duties.
“We would like to assure residents of West Coast division that we will continue to serve them and ensure that their needs are supported,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
This is reportedly the first graft probe concerning a cabinet minister in nearly four decades.
Back in 1986, then-Minister for National Development Teh Cheang Wan faced investigations for supposedly accepting bribes totalling $1 million.
Before he could be formally charged, however, he ended his life.
He had left behind a letter to then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, in which he detailed his remorse as well as his perception that he should “pay the highest price for his mistake”.