Singapore has been shocked by a rare corruption case involving a cabinet minister, Subramaniam Iswaran. He has denied all 27 charges against him, including “obtaining gratification as a public servant”.
Iswaran was in charge of the country’s tourism industry when the Formula One Grand Prix was launched in Singapore. Prosecutors allege that Iswaran received over $119,000 worth of flights, hotel stays, Grand Prix tickets, and tickets to West End musicals and football matches.
The charges claim that these were gifts in exchange for advancing property tycoon Ong Beng Seng’s business interests. Iswaran resigned from his post in government after the charges were brought against him.
The news of the charges against Iswaran has dominated Singapore’s media, with many newspapers covering the story in detail. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) alleges that Iswaran obtained kickbacks worth $286,181 from Ong Beng Seng, who is also facing corruption charges.
In a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Iswaran rejected all the allegations against him and declared his innocence. He also announced that he would return his salaries and allowances since the investigations began in July last year.
When he was arrested, Iswaran was placed on a leave of absence but was still paid $8,500 monthly. As an MP, he also received an allowance of more than $15,000 a month.
Singapore’s lawmakers are among the highest-paid in the world, with ministers earning a starting salary of more than $45,000 a month. The government has justified these high salaries by stating they help combat corruption.
If Iswaran is found guilty of corruption, he could be fined up to $100,000 or face seven years of imprisonment.
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