Singapore ex-minister gets prison in rare case

SINGAPORE: Subramaniam Iswaran, a senior cabinet minister in Singapore’s government, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison in a high-profile trial that has gripped the wealthy nation.

Iswaran, 62, pleaded guilty to accepting gifts worth more than S$403,000 ($311,882; £234,586) while in public office, as well as obstructing the course of justice.

The gifts included tickets to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, a Brompton T-line bicycle, alcohol and a ride on a private jet. Justice Vincent Hoong, who oversaw the case in Singapore’s High Court, emphasised that the former transport minister’s crimes were an abuse of power and jeopardised people’s trust in public institutions.

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He also noted that Iswaran seemed to think he would be acquitted. “In his letter to the prime minister, he stated he rejected (the charges) and expressed his strong belief he would be acquitted,” said Justice Hoong.

“Thus I have difficulty accepting these are indicative of his remorse.” Iswaran will report to prison on 7 October.

He will serve his sentence at Changi, the same prison that holds Singapore’s death row prisoners, where the cells don’t have fans and most inmates sleep on straw mats instead of beds.