Former Singapore Transport Minister's Bid for Witness Statements Rejected Again

Singapore’s former transport minister, S Iswaran, has failed for the third time to secure prosecution witness statements as his corruption trial is set to start next week. Charged with 35 counts, including corruption and obstruction of justice, Iswaran's requests were dismissed by both an assistant registrar and the High Court.

Singapore's former transport minister, S Iswaran, faced a setback for the third consecutive time as his attempt to secure statements from prosecution witnesses was denied. The trial for alleged corruption against the Indian-origin politician is scheduled to begin next week.

At 62, Iswaran stands accused with 35 charges, among which two are corruption-related, involving SGD 166,000. Additionally, 32 charges pertain to obtaining items worth over SGD 237,000 while serving as a public servant. The final charge involves obstructing the course of justice. Further complications arise from his dealings with hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng and David Lum, managing director of Lum Chang Holdings.

Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, leading Iswaran's defense, argued under Section 214(1)(d) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) that the prosecution must furnish all statements from witnesses it plans to call. Despite robust arguments, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon and Justices Woo Bih Li and Steven Chong dismissed Iswaran's bids, noting the defense's issues did not constitute questions of law of public interest.

(With inputs from agencies.)