Iswaran, 62, entered a guilty plea to charges of impeding the course of justice and taking gifts totaling more than S$403,000 ($311,882; £234,586) while holding public office.
The presents included a private jet trip, wine, a Brompton T-line bicycle, and Formula 1 Grand Prix tickets.
The case manager at Singapore’s High Court, Justice Vincent Hoong, emphasized that the offenses committed by the former transport minister were an abuse of power that threatened public institutions and the confidence of the public.
He added that Iswaran appeared to believe he would be found not guilty.
Justice Hoong added that in his letter to the prime minister, he denied the charges and indicated his firm belief that he would be found not guilty.
I find it impossible to believe that these are a sign of his regret.
On October 7, Iswaran will report to prison.
He will serve his time at Changi Prison, which houses Singapore’s death row inmates. There, most of the prisoners sleep on straw mats rather than mattresses and the cells lack fans.
He is the first public figure in Singapore to face legal proceedings after over half a century.
The country takes great pleasure in its impeccable reputation and dearth of corruption. But Iswaran’s actions have damaged both that image and the standing of the ruling People’s Action Party.
