Singapore's former Minister S. Iswaran © leaves the Supreme Court in Singapore on Thursday — AFP SINGAPORE CITY, Oct 03 (BBC): 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.
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.
He is Singapore's first political figure to be tried in court in nearly 50 years. The nation prides itself on its squeaky clean image and lack of corruption. But that image, and the reputation of the governing People's Action Party, have taken a hit as a result of Iswaran's case.
The city state's lawmakers are among the highest-paid in the world, with some ministers earning more than S$1 million ($758,000). Leaders justify the handsome salaries by saying it combats corruption.
Ministers cannot keep gifts unless they pay the market value of the gift to the government, and they must declare anything they receive from people they have business dealings with.
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