Iswaran to take ‘certain course of action’ after corruption charge amended
The prosecution is applying for the remaining 30 charges to be taken into consideration in sentencing
THE prosecution has decided to proceed with only five charges against former minister S Iswaran, after amending the corruption charges against him at the start of his trial on Tuesday (Sep 24). (*see amendment note)
Iswaran’s lawyer, Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, said that his client will “take a certain course of action” given that the prosecution is no longer proceeding with the charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This is generally understood to mean that the defendant will plead guilty.
The court heard on Tuesday that the prosecution will now proceed on five charges against the ex-minister.
These include four under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which makes it an offence for a public servant to obtain any valuable thing for zero or inadequate consideration, from any person with whom he is involved in an official capacity. Such offences carry a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both.
It will also proceed on one charge of obstructing the course of justice under Section 204a, for repaying S$5,700 – the cost of his business class flight ticket to Doha – to Singapore GP around May 25, 2023. This offence carries a jail term of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Iswaran previously faced 35 charges, including two of corruption.
The prosecution will further apply for the remaining 30 charges to be taken into consideration for sentencing.
Justice Vincent Hoong adjourned court for the charges to be read to Iswaran.
*Amendment note: A previous version of the story said the charges Iswaran faced were reduced. Charges taken into consideration for sentencing are still charges that count against the accused person.
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