Photo : Reuters
Singapore’s Indian-origin former transport minister, S. Iswaran, has been sentenced to one year in jail after pleading guilty to five charges related to corruption and obstruction of justice. The sentencing took place on Thursday in the High Court, following his guilty plea on September 24. His case has drawn significant attention due to the high-ranking position he once held and the severity of the charges.
The one-year jail term handed to Iswaran exceeds the six to seven months proposed by the prosecution. Justice Vincent Hoong, who presided over the case, described the prosecution’s recommendation as "manifestly inadequate," reflecting the gravity of Iswaran’s offences. He emphasized that the higher the office a public servant holds, the greater their level of responsibility and culpability when involved in misconduct. Justice Hoong underscored that Iswaran's position as a former minister necessitated a harsher sentence due to the trust placed in him by the public.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
Iswaran, the first individual to be prosecuted under Section 165 in post-independent Singapore, was found guilty of accepting gifts and favors in exchange for advancing certain interests during his time in office. The Straits Times reported that these gifts and favors were not isolated incidents, but rather part of a prolonged period of corruption, further compounding his culpability. The judge pointed to the repetitive nature of Iswaran’s offences, stating that it revealed a consistent pattern of wrongdoing over time, which added to the seriousness of his crimes.
During the sentencing, the defense argued several mitigating factors in Iswaran's favor, including his long-standing public service to Singapore, his voluntary return of benefits received, and his early admission of guilt. However, Justice Hoong expressed difficulty in accepting these as sufficient grounds for leniency. He noted that Iswaran’s public service contributions, while noteworthy, did not warrant a reduction in his sentence. At most, these factors could be considered neutral in the context of his offences, the judge stated.
Furthermore, the judge questioned Iswaran’s sincerity in expressing remorse, pointing out that he had previously made public statements denying the charges against him. Justice Hoong ultimately rejected the defense’s submissions, concluding that Iswaran’s actions did not merit a significant reduction in punishment. He did, however, acknowledge that Iswaran would be eligible for a sentencing discount of up to 10 percent, but no more.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Hoong made it clear that Iswaran's actions had undermined the integrity of the office he once held and the public trust placed in him. The case serves as a stark reminder of the stringent stance Singapore’s legal system takes against corruption, especially when it involves individuals in positions of power.
#trending #latest #SingaporeNews #CorruptionCase #IswaranSentencing #JusticeServed #HighCourtRuling #PublicIntegrity #SingaporeJustice #GovernmentCorruption #BreakingNews #LegalUpdate #PublicTrust #AccountabilityMatters #AntiCorruption #SingaporeLaw #JudicialSystem #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, representing President El Sisi, has headed to Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the COP 29 Climate Summit...Read More.
Sayr offers a convenient, efficient system for planning public trips, allowing users to reach destinations using multiple transportation options tailored to the...Read More.
The meeting highlights the UAE's commitment to enhancing collaboration with global fintech leaders t
A convoy of 27 trucks, carrying 192 tonnes of relief supplies, departs from Dubai to assist conflict
Billionaire Elon Musk predicts Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's defeat in the upcoming feder
Former PM Kevin Rudd called Trump "Most Destructive President" as head of US think tank.
PM Anthony Albanese announced new laws to ban social media for children under 16, to be introduced i
Egypt’s PM to Attend COP 29 Conference in Azerbaijan
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, representing President El Sisi, has headed to Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the COP 29 Climate Summit
Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority Launches "Sayr" Mobility Platform
Sayr offers a convenient, efficient system for planning public trips, allowing users to reach destinations using multiple transportation options tailored to the
Grand Mufti Hosts Kazakh Students from Islamic University of Madinah
Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh welcomed a delegation of Kazakh students from the Islamic University of Madinah today
Egypt Highlights Investment and Trade Opportunities in Africa
He emphasized the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, signed during Egypt's AU presidency, marking a crucial step toward regional inte
Explore UAE's Rich History and Heritage: A Deep Dive into Its Cultural Roots
Explore the UAE's rich history and heritage through time and culture.
Hamdan bin Mohammed approves construction of Dubai’s first aerial taxi vertiport
The initiative aims to make Dubai the world’s first city to provide urban aerial transport with an advanced aerial taxi take-off and landing network
Saudi Pavilion Officially Inaugurated at Airshow China 2024
The Saudi pavilion was officially launched at Airshow China 2024, one of the world's largest aviation events, held in Zhuhai, China from November 12 to 17
Egypt Jumps 22 Spots in 2024 Global Youth Development Index Rankings
Egypt has climbed 22 places in the 2024 Global Youth Development Index, ranking 99th out of 183 countries with a score of 0.733
The UAE's Bold Investments in Space Exploration: A New Era of Cosmic Discovery
UAE bold space investments are shaping the future of exploration
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence at Zayed Festival
Under the theme "Innovative Farmers and Breeders with a Sustainable Vision," the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence will return to the S
© DNN. All Rights Reserved.