Jan 18, 2024 - 04:47
By edition.cnn.com

Singapore minister resigns after being charged with corruption in a first for the city state

CNN —

Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran has resigned after being charged with corruption on Thursday, the prime minister’s office said, confirming a historic development for a city state that prides itself on having a squeaky-clean government.

The charges against Iswaran are part of the biggest corruption probe to engulf Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in decades. The scandal, which also ensnared a hotel tycoon best known for bringing the Formula 1 Grand Prix to the city, was one in a series of controversies for the government in the past year that sent shockwaves through the country.

Iswaran is the country’s first sitting minister to be charged with a criminal offense.

He faces 27 charges, including corruption and obstructing justice, Chief ProsecutorTan Kiat Pheng said in court Thursday, according to a charge sheet seen by CNN.

Billionaire hotelier Ong Beng Seng smiles during a news conference in Singapore May 11, 2007. Singapore will host a Formula One race in 2008, Iswaran said on Friday. Iswaran told a media briefing that a first race could be held in September or October next year and might be a night race. An F1 night race would be the first in the world, although several Grand Prix drivers have spoken against it, citing safety concerns. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (SINGAPORE)

Related article Rare Singapore corruption probe widens to include Grand Prix owner

The former minister, flanked by his legal team at court, pleaded not guilty and had his bail extended.

Iswaran was arrested alongside hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng in July. Ong is also the sole shareholder of the Singapore Grand Prix, organizer of the marquee sporting event.