PM Wong stresses need to act to keep Govt clean, free from corruption

While "disappointed and saddened" at the way former transport minister S. Iswaran's political career had ended, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said it is his team's duty to act when necessary to ensure Singapore's system of government and politics always stay clean and free from corruption.

- Goh Yan Han

"We will do what is right by Singapore and Singaporeans, regardless of the political costs or the personal pain we feel when a colleague and friend has been jailed," he said in a statement on Oct 3 after Iswaran was sentenced to 12 months' jail.

PM Wong said those entrusted with public service must uphold the highest standards of integrity, and their conduct must be beyond reproach.

"This is absolutely vital and non-negotiable," he added.

Iswaran had earlier pleaded guilty to four charges of obtaining valuable items as a public servant under Section 165 of the Penal Code from Formula One race promoter Singapore GP's chairman, Mr Ong Beng Seng, and Mr David Lum, managing director of mainboard-listed construction company Lum Chang Holdings.

He also admitted to a fifth charge of obstructing the course of justice.

Section 165 deals specifically with bribery and other forms of corrupt practices involving public servants, PM Wong noted.