Iswaran to remain in Singapore during CPIB investigation: Prime Minister's Office

SINGAPORE: Transport Minister S Iswaran will remain in Singapore during his leave of absence amid an ongoing Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) probe, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Thursday (Jul 13).
In a statement issued in response to CNA's queries, the PMO said Mr Iswaran will also have "no access to any official resources and government buildings".
CPIB said on Wednesday morning that Mr Iswaran was assisting with its investigation into a case it uncovered. The anti-graft agency did not elaborate on the nature of the investigation.
He has also been instructed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to take a leave of absence until the investigation is completed.
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said that other Members of Parliament from Mr Iswaran's West Coast constituency will cover his duties, stating that it would be "difficult" for him to undertake those responsibilities himself.
In Mr Iswaran's absence, Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat will be Acting Minister for Transport.
Mr Iswaran is also minister-in-charge of trade relations at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). When contacted by CNA, a spokesperson said Mr Iswaran's portfolio at the ministry would be covered by other political officeholders during his leave of absence.
Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who was seen entering and leaving CPIB's headquarters on Wednesday, has been asked by the anti-graft agency to provide information in relation to his interactions with Mr Iswaran.
Mr Ong's company, Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), announced on Friday that he has been issued a notice of arrest.
The 77-year-old Malaysian billionaire is often credited for bringing the Formula 1 night race to Singapore. Mr Iswaran was Minister of State for Trade and Industry at the time, when a deal was struck in 2007 between the Singapore Tourism Board and then-Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.
