Fmr. Singapore Transport Minister sentenced to prison for corruption in unprecedented case

Former Transport Minister S. Iswaran has been sentenced to 12 months in prison on Thursday, marking the first instance of a former Cabinet member being jailed in the city-state, known for its stringent anti-corruption measures and clean governance.

The court found Iswaran guilty of obstructing justice and accepting over $300,000 in gifts during his tenure, which spanned 13 years across various Cabinet roles, including trade and communications. This unprecedented case underscores the government’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability among its officials.

Iswaran, aged 62, pleaded guilty to four counts of improperly receiving gifts and one count of obstructing justice, highlighting a significant breach of public trust. Following the verdict, the court permitted him to remain on bail for a few days, with his prison sentence set to commence on Monday.

The ruling has sent shockwaves through Singapore’s political landscape, reinforcing the message that even high-ranking officials are not above the law. As the nation prides itself on its reputation for clean governance, this case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing fight against corruption.