Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran has resigned after the Public prosecutor has filed criminal charges against him in court 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 minister resigned three days ago, according to a statement from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Mr Lee said this was after the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau gave Iswaran formal notice of the criminal charges filed against him.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong accepted S. Iswaran’s resignation as a cabinet minister and as a member of the People’s Action Party (PAP), according to a statement from Mr Lee’s office.
He also informed the prime minister that he was resigning as member of parliament for the West Coast Group Representation Constituency.
In a letter given to the prime minister, Iswaran said he rejected the charges and allegations against him.
“The CPIB charged me with various offences. I reject the allegations in the charges and will now focus on clearing my name. Given the circumstances, I feel it is right for me to resign from the Cabinet, as a member of parliament and as a member of the PAP,” Mr Iswaran wrote in his resignation letter to Mr Lee that was made public after the charges were announced.
In a statement Thursday, Lee said he had accepted the resignation of Iswaran, who had made the decision to return his government salary received from the commencement of the CPIB´s investigations in July 2023.
“The Government has dealt with this case rigorously in accordance with the law, and will continue to do so. I am determined to uphold the integrity of the Party and the Government, and our reputation for honesty and incorruptibility. Singaporeans expect no less,” reads the statement from the prime minister’s office.
The prime minister concluded that “I am disappointed and saddened that you are leaving politics in these circumstances. But it is essential that I deal with such matters rigorously in accordance with the law. We must uphold the integrity of the Party and the government. Singaporeans expect no less.”
