Singapore Ex-Minister S Iswaran Sentenced: A Landmark Corruption Case

Former Singapore transport minister S Iswaran received a one-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to corruption-related charges in the High Court. The case marks the first prosecution under Section 165 post-independence. Justice Vincent Hoong deemed the prosecution's sentence request 'manifestly inadequate,' highlighting Iswaran's high culpability.

In a landmark verdict, Singapore's former transport minister of Indian origin, S Iswaran, was sentenced to one year in prison for corruption and obstructing justice. He pled guilty to five charges in the High Court, with Justice Vincent Hoong delivering the judgment on September 24.

The sentence exceeded the prosecution's request of six to seven months, which Justice Hoong labeled as 'manifestly inadequate' for a public servant of such high office. He emphasized that higher-ranking officials bear greater culpability, underlining the seriousness of the offenses.

This case marks the first prosecution under Section 165 in post-independent Singapore. While mitigating factors such as Iswaran's public service were considered, Justice Hoong remained unconvinced of his remorse and limited sentence reductions to a maximum of 10%.

(With inputs from agencies.)