'Litigation risks', 'fair & just outcome' among considerations for amending Iswaran's corruption charges: AGC

In a statement on Sep. 24, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) stated the reasons behind amending charges in former transport minister S Iswaran's case.

The court heard earlier on Sep. 24 that AGC was amending Iswaran's two Prevention of Corruption Act charges to charges under section 165 of the Penal Code.

Iswaran pleaded guilty to five charges in total, comprising these two amended charges, two other charges under section 165, and another charge for obstruction of justice.

AGC said in its statement that it agreed to amend the charges to Prevention of Corruption Act charges to charges under section 165 of the Penal Code, while Iswaran agreed to plead guilty to the five charges.

AGC also said that it was agreed that Iswaran's 30 other charges would be taken into consideration for sentencing.

AGC explained:

"In deciding whether to amend the charges, AGC considered the litigation risks involved in proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt at trial, given that there are two primary parties to the transactions, and both would have an interest in denying corruption in the transactions.

AGC also considered whether the amendment would lead to a fair and just outcome that is in line with the public interest."

AGC also stated that they will take a decision in respect of Ong Beng Seng "soon".

Iswaran's sentencing has been adjourned to Oct. 3.

Background

Iswaran's case came to light when CPIB found information during another investigation.

This started a quiet investigation in May 2023, and then-PM Lee was alerted to it on May 29, 2023.

On Jul. 5, 2023, CPIB told then-PM Lee they had attained adequate information to launch a formal investigation into Iswaran. The PM gave the director of CPIB his concurrence to launch a formal investigation.

Iswaran was subsequently arrested by CPIB on Jul. 11, 2023, on the same day as billionaire hotelier Ong Beng Seng.

Both were subsequently released on bail.

Iswaran was instructed to take a leave of absence until CPIB's investigations are completed.

He had no access to official resources and government buildings during his leave of absence.

On Jan. 18, 2024, Iswaran was handed 27 charges pertaining to corruption and obstructing justice.

He pleaded not guilty and released a statement saying, "I am innocent and will now focus on clearing my name."

He was then handed eight new charges on Mar. 25, bringing the total number of charges to 35.

According to the new charges, Iswaran allegedly obtained bottles of whisky, golf clubs and a Brompton bicycle from one Lum Kok Seng, whom Iswaran knew to be concerned in business transacted which had a connection with his official function as Minister for Transport.

Iswaran also pleaded not guilty to these charges.

On May 8, 2024, the High Court granted Iswaran's request for a joint trial for all criminal charges against him.

More than 50 witnesses have been listed for the trial, including Ong.

Iswaran then made three bids for the prosecution to hand over all the statements of the witnesses it intends to call at trial.

However, these were all rejected, CNA reported.

Iswaran's trial was initially set to begin on Sep. 10.

However, it was postponed to Sep. 24 after a joint request by Iswaran's legal team and the prosecution, according to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

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Top photo via Andrew Koay/Mothership