PAP’s stance on corruption is non-negotiable, part of its DNA: DPM Lawrence Wong on Iswaran’s case

The People’s Action Party’s (PAP) stance on corruption is non-negotiable and part of its DNA, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, adding that there can be no compromise, relaxation, or fudging the issue – no matter the political price.

“The PAP government will continue to do everything we can to uphold the highest standards of integrity, incorruptibility and propriety. That’s how we maintain the trust that Singaporeans have placed in us,” he told journalists on Thursday (Jan 18).

His remarks came hours after former transport minister S Iswaran was handed 27 charges in court – two counts of corruption, 24 counts of obtaining items from someone he had business dealings with as a public servant, and one of obstructing the course of justice.

Wong said the party was “saddened and disappointed that Iswaran has to leave politics under these circumstances”, and he has no doubt that it would affect party morale.

“But we cannot allow this political hit to compromise our zero-tolerance stance against corruption,” he said.

He added that this is why the party and government will continue to do the right thing, and do everything they can to keep Singapore’s system corruption-free.

GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY

Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign UpVIEW ALL

He said: “I believe Singaporeans expect no less from us.”

Wong said the investigations into Iswaran were initiated by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and since then, the government has pursued the matter “decisively and proactively”.

Once CPIB completed its investigations and the public prosecutor assessed the findings independently, they decided to proceed with charges against Iswaran, said Wong.

In court, Iswaran pleaded not guilty, and is now out on bail of S$800,000.

When asked by reporters, Wong said the case would have “no impact” on succession and the leadership transition.

He said it was announced that the PAP’s leadership transition will take place before the next general election, and before the party conference in November 2024.

“This plan remains on track,” Wong said.

On how the case would affect the PAP’s plans on when to call the general election, Wong said the government’s focus is to continue and press on with its work, and redouble its efforts to improve the lives of Singaporeans.

He said: “When the general election comes, the PAP will present our report card to Singaporeans, and we will do our best to earn the confidence and trust of Singaporeans.”

On the Code of Conduct for Ministers, Wong said that the code, which has been in place since 1954, is “not static” and continues to be updated.

“We will continue to review and update the Code, taking into account the experiences and learnings from this incident,” he said.

Wong noted that there will be many civil servants who are disappointed, shocked and saddened by what has happened, including those who have worked closely with Iswaran all these years.

He stressed that there was no whistle-blower or tip-off, and that CPIB pursued this matter on its own accord.

The bureau, he said, did a thorough investigation and left no stone unturned, before presenting its investigation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

Wong highlighted that the AGC has explained that it will look at the investigations against Iswaran first, before deciding whether decisions should be taken against others who are involved in this matter.

He hoped that civil servants will see that “what has transpired is the determination of the PAP government to keep our system free from corruption”.

“That determination is clear, and we will not compromise on our zero-tolerance stance against corruption,” he said.

“That will ensure that Singapore remains special, that will ensure that Singapore can continue to move forward with confidence in the future.” THE STRAITS TIMES