SINGAPORE — A Singapore court on Thursday sentenced a former minister to 12 months in prison for obstructing justice and receiving more than $300,000 worth of gifts, in the first jailing of a former cabinet member in a city-state famous for its clean governance.
In a statement posted on the prime minister’s office website, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he was disappointed and saddened by the case.
The case has shocked Singapore, which prides itself on its well-paid and efficient bureaucracy as well as strong and squeaky-clean governance.
According to the prosecution, the value of the gifts Iswaran received totaled more than 400,000 Singapore dollars ($308,500).
The former minister faced a total of 35 charges, two of which were corruption-related but were later amended to charges of receiving gifts while a public servant.
Persons:
Iswaran, Lawrence Wong, ”, Wong, Ong Beng Seng, Ong, Vincent Hoong
Organizations:
English Premier League soccer, Singapore
Locations:
SINGAPORE, Singapore