KUALA LUMPUR – Singapore’s former transport minister S. Iswaran will serve his 12-month prison sentence and has no intention to challenge the ruling.
In a brief statement on Facebook today, Iswaran admitted to his wrongdoing and accepted full responsibility for his actions in accepting gifts as a public servant.
“It was important to me that the public prosecutor amended the charges against me under the Prevention of Corruption Act to those under Section 165 of the Penal Code regarding the acceptance of gifts by public servants,” Iswaran said.
Additionally, the former minister also mentioned that the possibility of a criminal trial extending beyond 2025 would have had a severe toll on his family.
Further, as he begins serving his one-year imprisonment sentence today, Iswaran took the opportunity to mention that serving his constituents in West Coast GRC over the past three decades was his greatest life honour.
“I am so very touched by my family’s love, prayers and support.
“As this chapter of my life comes to a close, my family and I look to the future with gratitude and renewed hope,” Iswaran added.
Last month, Iswaran pled guilty to four charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code for receiving gifts while he was in office and also one charge of obstruction of justice.
On October 3, despite prosecutors seeking an imprisonment of six to seven months, the court sentenced Iswaran to 12 months imprisonment as a lighter sentence would be manifestly inadequate. – October 7, 2024