According to the BBC, a cabinet minister in Singapore resigned from office on Thursday following allegations of corruption. This unusual incident stunned the country, which takes great satisfaction in its impeccable governance.
Known for managing Singapore’s tourism sector during the Formula One Grand Prix, Subramaniam Iswaran entered a not guilty plea to 27 charges, one of which included “obtaining gratification as a public servant.”
Charge sheets filed by the prosecution disclosed claims that Iswaran was given gifts totaling more than S$160,000 in exchange for supporting the commercial ventures of property billionaire Ong Beng Seng. Additionally, Iswaran was allegedly given tickets to West End musicals and football games.
Iswaran and Ong, who played a key role in getting the Formula One event to Singapore in 2008, were both detained last year. Iswaran identified Ong in every one of his charges.
On Thursday, Iswaran wrote to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, saying, “I reject the charges and am innocent.”
Along with announcing his retirement, he added that he would reimburse his pay and benefits since his case began to be investigated in July of last year.
After being detained, Iswaran, a seasoned member of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), was placed on leave, yet he continued to get S$8,500 per month. In addition, he was getting almost S$15,000 in allowance as an MP.
In an effort to fight corruption, legislators in Singapore, including ministers, are paid more than S$45,000 per month.
The former government employee had a number of positions, including those in the transport ministry, home affairs, prime minister’s office, and communications.
In the trade and industry ministry, he played a pivotal role in the development of Singapore’s tourism industry during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
PM Lee of Singapore announced on Thursday that his government had handled this case “rigorously” and that he had accepted Iswaran’s resignation.
“I’m committed to maintaining the party’s and the government’s integrity as well as our standing as an honest and uncorruptible group. No less is expected of Singaporeans,” he remarked.
The last time a minister was the subject of a corruption investigation was Teh Cheang Wan, the minister of national development, who was looked into for taking bribes in 1986. He committed suicide prior to being prosecuted.
