S Iswaran, the former Minister for Transport of Singapore, has resigned from his ministerial position, membership in the People’s Action Party (PAP), and as a Member of Parliament for the West Coast Group Representative Constituency. This decision followed charges against him involving corruption and obstruction of justice. Iswaran has denied these allegations and plans to focus on clearing his name.
Repayment of Salary and Allowances
Iswaran has voluntarily decided to repay all his ministerial salary and MP allowances received from July 2023, the commencement of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau’s investigations. He took this step despite contesting the charges, citing that it would not be right to benefit from these monies while under investigation.
Promotion of Chee Hong Tat
Following Iswaran’s resignation, Chee Hong Tat, previously the Acting Transport Minister, has been promoted to full Minister for Transport. This reshuffle in the cabinet is part of the adjustments made in light of the recent developments.
Background of the Case
Iswaran faces multiple charges, including accepting gratifications and obstructing justice, with the investigations and legal proceedings still ongoing. A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for March 1, 2024. The case represents a significant event in Singapore’s political landscape, underlining the country’s stringent approach to governance and legal matters.
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