Iswaran sentenced to 12 months jail, double prosecutors’ proposal

Former Singapore transport minister S Iswaran was sentenced to 12 months' jail on October 3, 2024, for obtaining gifts worth S$403,300 over seven years from two businessmen and obstructing justice.

Despite initial charges of corruption, Iswaran pleaded guilty after the charges were amended, admitting to five charges—four under Section 165 of the Penal Code and one count of obstructing justice.

Justice Vincent Hoong determined that neither the prosecution's request for six to seven months' jail nor the defense's plea for no more than eight weeks was appropriate, citing aggravating factors such as the duration of the offenses and the damage to public trust.

Iswaran’s sentence is set to begin on October 7.

Justice Vincent Hoong highlighted the importance of deterrence in Section 165, saying that it was vital to preserving the trust in and integrity of public offices.

He noted that Iswaran, who held high office as a Minister, should be held to a higher standard of culpability.

Even though the defence tried to argue for mitigation due to Iswaran's contribution to the nation, the judge did not accept it and reiterated the deterrent role of the sentence.

Public reactions were mixed. Some netizens felt that the sentence was not enough and  that Iswaran could be released early due to good behavior, while others saw the case as a strong precedent for other civil servants to follow.

Many commended the Singapore government for its firm stance in upholding the law, regardless of the individual's high rank.