Former Singapore Transport Minister Iswaran pleads guilty after charges amended

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s former transport minister S. Iswaran pleaded guilty on Tuesday (Sept 24) on what was expected to be the first day of his criminal trial, after saying for months that he would contest the case to clear his name.

The 62-year-old admitted four charges under Article 165 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits civil servants from accepting valuable items from people who deal with them in an official capacity. He also admitted to obstructing justice.

A further 30 charges will be taken into account in sentencing.

The valuables at issue in all charges include tickets to theatre performances, football matches and the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix, whisky, international flights and a hotel stay, totalling more than S$400,000 (more than US$300,000).

The hearing began promptly at 10:00 a.m., with the prosecution presenting new charges.

Deputy Attorney General Tai Wei Shyong said prosecutors would replace two corruption charges with two lesser charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code.

Iswaran’s defence lawyer, Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, subsequently confirmed that his client would plead guilty.

“My client will take certain actions in view of the fact that the public prosecutor is no longer bringing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act,” Singh told the court presided over by Judge Vincent Hoong.

After the charges were read to him, Iswaran was asked how he confessed to them.

“Your Honor, I plead guilty,” he said.

Iswaran paid S$380,305.95 (US$294,845) to the state on Monday, Mr Tai told the court. Whisky and wine bottles, golf clubs and a Brompton bicycle were also confiscated from him.

Mr Singh said his client offered to hand over the money “immediately” after being informed that prosecutors had agreed to amend the corruption charges.

The prosecution is demanding a prison sentence of six to seven months for Iswaran, while the defense is arguing for a maximum of eight weeks if the judge considers a prison sentence justified.

The verdict was postponed until October 3.

The courtroom where the hearing took place was filled to capacity with members of the public and the media, who had to obtain waiting lists to gain entry.

Iswaran’s family and friends, including his wife Kay Mary Taylor, were also in attendance.

After the hearing was adjourned, Iswaran told reporters gathered outside the High Court that he could not comment further as the case was still before the court.

“As you know, my lawyers have made their position clear. And as you know, the matter is now before the courts, so it is not appropriate for me to say more. I just want to thank you all for coming and then we will see how it goes,” he said.