Former minister Iswaran returns to Singapore, surrenders passport: AGC

SINGAPORE: Former Transport Minister S Iswaran has returned to Singapore and surrendered his passport to the authorities, a spokesperson for the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said on Wednesday (Mar 20).

Iswaran, who is out on bail on corruption and other charges, had been required to return to Singapore by Mar 19.

A criminal case disclosure conference has been adjourned to Apr 2, the AGC spokesperson said.

A criminal case disclosure conference is a formal system where both sides disclose information about the case – including outlining their cases and the evidence they will be relying on – to facilitate the trial process.

Iswaran, 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 in Australia. 

However, the former minister fell ill during his trip and was on Mar 4 given permission to remain outside Singapore for an additional 16 days.

Under the terms of the extension, Iswaran had to report to an investigation officer daily via video call.

Additional bail conditions had to be met when Iswaran made his initial application on Feb 8 to travel to Australia. These include an extra bail sum of S$500,000 (US$374,000) in cash on top of his existing bail of S$800,000.

Apart from that, 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.

CASE AGAINST ISWARAN

Iswaran was charged with multiple offences on Jan 18, months after a probe into him was made public. He pleaded not guilty to all 27 charges he was handed.

Among the charges, two are of corruptly obtaining bribes from billionaire Ong Beng Seng, 24 of obtaining valuables as a public servant and one of obstructing justice.

Mr Ong, who owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix, has not been charged.

Iswaran was a key figure in the government's engagements with Formula 1. He resigned as a minister and from the ruling People's Action Party in January.

If convicted of obtaining a valuable thing as a public servant, Iswaran can be jailed for up to two years, fined, or both.

If convicted of corruptly obtaining gratification under the Prevention of Corruption Act, he can be jailed for up to seven years, fined up to S$100,000, or both.

If convicted of obstructing justice, he can be jailed for up to seven years, fined, or both.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article said the criminal case disclosure conference did not take place. The court has since clarified that it did.