AGC to make decision about CPIB's investigations into Ong Beng Seng after Iswaran’s case

SINGAPORE: The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) will make a decision about the investigations against billionaire hotelier Ong Beng Seng after the case against former Transport Minister S Iswaran is completed, a spokesperson said on Thursday (Jan 18).

Iswaran was handed 27 charges in court on Thursday, most of which were for receiving “valuable things” from Mr Ong between 2015 and 2022.

These include tickets to shows and football matches in the UK as well as tickets to the Singapore F1 Grand Prix.

He also allegedly received a paid-for trip to Doha – including a private jet flight, one night’s stay in a luxury hotel and a business class flight. 

One of the charges alleges that Iswaran corruptly obtained gratification worth S$145,434 (US$108,000) from Mr Ong in exchange for advancing Mr Ong’s business interests relating to a contract between Singapore GP and the Singapore Tourism Board.

Mr Ong owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix and is chairman of the race promoter Singapore GP. At the same time, Iswaran was chairman of the F1 Steering Committee and was actively involved in the government’s engagements with F1.

Iswaran pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.

In response to media queries, AGC noted that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) investigated the role of “other persons” in the matter, including Mr Ong.

“The Attorney-General’s Chambers will take a decision in respect of the investigations against Mr Ong and others, after the case against Mr S Iswaran has been completed, including the presentation of evidence in court,” a spokesperson said.

Iswaran resigned from his positions in government on Tuesday.

ARRESTED IN JULY

Mr Ong, who is also managing director of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), was arrested on Jul 11, the same day Iswaran was taken into custody.

The property tycoon, a Malaysian based in Singapore, was seen entering and leaving CPIB’s headquarters the next day.

He posted bail of S$100,000 and was allowed to travel from Jul 14 before surrendering his passport to the CPIB.

At the time, HPL said no charges had been filed against Mr Ong, and he was asked to provide information in relation to his interactions with Iswaran.  

The company also said Mr Ong was fully cooperating with the anti-corruption agency. HPL’s nominating committee determined that Mr Ong could continue to carry out his duties and responsibilities.

In response to CNA’s queries on Thursday, an agency representing HPL declined to comment.

CONDOMINIUM DISCOUNT SCANDAL

Mr Ong previously made the news over unsolicited discounts that were given to then-Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and then-Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Four condominium units at luxury developments Nassim Jade and Scotts 28, which are HPL properties, were bought in the names of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Lee Hsien Loong.

The matter was discussed in parliament and both ministers were cleared. It was determined that the purchases were above board and that the discounts – of 5 per cent to 12 per cent – were given to early birds.

The discounted sums were donated to charity.