Iswaran, facing corruption charges, allowed to stay overseas for 16 more days after falling ill in Australia
The former Transport Minister, who faces more than 20 charges including two of corruption, was initially granted permission to be out of Singapore between Feb 16 and Mar 4 to help his son settle into university.
Former Transport Minister S Iswaran, who has been charged with multiple offences including corruption, leaving the State Courts on Jan 18, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Gaya Chandramohan)
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SINGAPORE: Former Transport Minister S Iswaran was on Monday (Mar 4) given permission to remain outside Singapore for an additional 16 days after he fell ill while in Australia, following an application by his lawyers on the final day of the window he was initially granted approval for.
Iswaran, who faces multiple charges including two of corruption, was given permission last month to leave Singapore for Australia between Feb 16 and Mar 4 to help his son settle into university.
"At an urgent mention at the State Courts today, the defence filed an application to extend Mr Iswaran's permission to leave jurisdiction by 16 days, until Mar 19, 2024, as he had fallen ill while in Australia," an Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) spokesperson said in response to media queries.
The prosecution did not object to the application, subject to the enhanced bail conditions being met.
The statement did not include details of Iswaran's illness. CNA has asked his lawyers about this. Iswaran is represented by a team led by Senior Counsel Davinder Singh.
Under the terms of the extension, Iswaran will have to report to an investigation officer daily via video call to provide updates on his medical condition and whether there will be any issues regarding his return to Singapore on Mar 19.
Iswaran's bailor must also consent to the extension of his stay in Australia.
The former minister will now have to surrender his passport to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau on Mar 20.
The prosecution did not object to Iswaran's initial application on Feb 8 as long as he adhered to additional bail conditions – including an extra bail sum of S$500,000 (US$372,000) in cash on top of his existing bail of S$800,000.
Apart from the additional cash bail, Iswaran was also required to provide his travel itinerary and overseas address to an investigating officer, as well as remain contactable by the investigating officer at all times.
