Lawrence Wong on Iswaran Corruption Charges: “Our Stand Against Corruption is Non-Negotiable”

SINGAPORE — Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed deep disappointment over former Transport Minister S Iswaran’s recent corruption charges, underscoring that the People’s Action Party (PAP) maintains an unwavering stance on corruption. Speaking on Thursday (Jan 18), Mr. Wong reiterated that this commitment is integral to the party’s identity and “non-negotiable,” stating that there can be “no compromise, no relaxation, no fudging on this, no matter the political price.”

Mr. Iswaran, who resigned from the Cabinet and PAP on Tuesday (Jan 16), pleaded not guilty and will stand trial. Despite the case’s impact on party morale, Mr. Wong confirmed that PAP’s leadership succession plan is on track for completion before the next General Election and the upcoming party conference in November.

As Singapore’s next General Election, slated for no later than November 2025, approaches, Mr. Wong emphasized that PAP will present its “report card” and work to maintain public trust. He also noted that CPIB’s investigation into Mr. Iswaran was self-initiated, without any whistleblower involved. Following CPIB’s findings, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) is now examining potential further actions.

Charges Against S Iswaran
Mr. Iswaran, represented by Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, appeared in court on January 16, facing two charges related to receiving over S$160,000 from hotelier Ong Beng Seng in connection with Singapore Grand Prix contracts. Additionally, he faces 24 charges for accepting benefits valued at more than S$384,000 between 2015 and 2022, which allegedly include Grand Prix tickets, private jet travel, and tickets to UK events, in exchange for advancing Mr. Ong’s business interests.

In response to Iswaran’s departure, Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat will officially take over the transport portfolio, while Minister Grace Fu will assume responsibility for trade relations.