Singapore ex-minister Iswaran pleads guilty to reduced charges

Former ruling party politician's corruption case begins with surprise

Singapore's former transport minister S. Iswaran arrives at the Supreme Court in Singapore on Sept. 24. © Reuters

DYLAN LOH, Nikkei staff writer

September 24, 2024 19:08 JST

SINGAPORE -- Singapore's trial of former Transport Minister S. Iswaran took a surprise turn when it started on Tuesday, with the ex-government official pleading guilty only after prosecutors amended corruption charges against him to reduced counts of obtaining gifts.

Iswaran, who was a veteran politician in the ruling People's Action Party, had faced over 30 charges in a scandal that rocked the city-state, known for a public service that emphasizes clean governance and zero tolerance for corruption.