Subramaniam Iswaran led Singapore's tourism industry during the Formula One Grand Prix
A Singapore cabinet minister resigned from his government post on Thursday after being accused of corruption, in a rare case that has shocked a nation that prides itself on its squeaky-clean governance, the bbc reported.
Subramaniam Iswaran, known for overseeing Singapore's tourism industry during the Formula One Grand Prix, has pleaded not guilty to 27 charges, including “obtaining gratification as a public servant.”
Prosecutors released charge sheets revealing allegations that Iswaran received more than S$160,000 in gifts in exchange for promoting property tycoon Ong Beng Seng's business interests, as well as receiving tickets to West End musicals and football matches.
Iswaran was arrested last year along with Ong, who was instrumental in bringing the F1 race to Singapore in 2008. Ong was named in all of Iswaran's charges, often as the party who offered the alleged bribes.
In a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday, Iswaran wrote: “I deny the charges and am innocent.”
In addition to announcing his resignation, he also said he would return his salaries and benefits since investigations into his case began last July.
Iswaran, a veteran of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), was granted leave of absence when he was arrested but was still paid S$8,500 a month. As an MP, he also received an allowance of more than S$15,000 a month.
Singapore lawmakers, including ministers, earn more than S$45,000 a month in a move to combat corruption.
The former government official held several portfolios, including the prime minister's office, the ministry of home affairs, communications and transport.
His most notable role was at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, where he contributed significantly to Singapore's tourism development in the late 2000s and 2010s.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee said Thursday that he accepted Iswaran's resignation and that his government has dealt with the case “rigorously.”
“I am determined to defend the integrity of the party and the government, and our reputation for honesty and incorruptibility. Singaporeans expect nothing less,” he said.
The last time a minister faced a corruption investigation was in 1986, when national development minister Teh Cheang Wan was investigated for accepting bribes. He took his own life before being charged.
