Singapore’s Indian-origin former transport minister S Iswaran has been sentenced to 12 months jail on Thursday by the High Court for obtaining gifts worth about SGD 403,300 over seven years, from two businessmen he considered his friends.
The 62-year-old pleaded guilty to four charges relating to receiving gifts and one blocking justice on September 24, the first day of trial proceedings, cutting short what was set to be a protracted trial with 56 prosecution witnesses.
In sentencing, Justice Vincent Hoong said he had considered submissions on sentence from both prosecution and defence but was “ultimately unable to agree with both the positions taken”.
In his sentencing remarks, Justice Hoong emphasised that trust and confidence in public institutions are the bedrock of effective governance.
The judge added that the former minister abused the position to accept gifts worth about SGD 403,300 (USD313,200).
He said, “This can all too easily be undermined by a public servant who falls below standards of integrity and accountability.”
The judge said it was significant that Iswaran had made public statements rejecting the charges as false.
“In a letter to the Prime Minister, Iswaran said he rejected the charges and was innocent, and believed he would be acquitted. Thus, I have difficulty believing that he was remorseful,” The Straits Times quoted the Judge as saying.
As Justice Hoong addressed the court, Iswaran looked down and took notes.
The judge added, “The higher the office held by the offender as a public servant, the higher his level of culpability.