Iswaran's 12-month prison term underlines intrinsic value of public trust
The Straits Times|October 05, 2024
The integrity of our public institutions is paramount and serves as the lynchpin for our faith in governance.
Eugene K.B. Tan
Iswaran's 12-month prison term underlines intrinsic value of public trust

Integrity underpins good governance. It's a non-negotiable. When public trust erodes, the country risks descending into dysfunction, as accountability falters, and public institutions lose legitimacy.

For many in Singapore - and around the world - the high-profile case of former minister S Iswaran was seen as an anomaly here, and yet at the same time a litmus test of the integrity of our system and governance.

Last week, Iswaran pleaded guilty to four Penal Code Section 165 charges, which make it an offense for a public servant to ask for or accept gifts as a public servant from someone with whom he has an official business relationship, and one charge for the obstruction of justice. Thirty other charges under Section 165 were taken into consideration in sentencing.

On Oct 3, Justice Vincent Hoong sentenced Iswaran to 12 months' jail - twice the six to seven months the public prosecutor had argued for and about six times what the defence had put forward.

In his view, anything else would be a "manifestly inadequate sentence".

The message was clear.

The paramount importance of trust and confidence in public institutions was writ large and robustly reiterated in the High Court's 94-page ruling.

PERCEPTIONS AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS At one level, the sentence underscores the court's strong stance against any offense that undermines trust and confidence in public institutions.

Even perceptions of influence peddling by gift givers or abuse of office are highly detrimental as they have an insidious effect on public trust and confidence.

Perceptions often operate as reality. In other words, the harm caused can be significant even from perceptions. This is a reasonably compelling position to take.

Denne historien er fra October 05, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 05, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE STRAITS TIMESSe alt
Krupnova brings positivity to Wondersticks and S'pore
The Straits Times

Krupnova brings positivity to Wondersticks and S'pore

While it has been only two weeks since Eliska Krupnova joined Singapore Floorball Premier League (SFL) side Wondersticks, the 2020 world's best female floorball player has lit up the league in more ways than one.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 06, 2024
HER UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The Straits Times

HER UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Belarusian Goutseva back to complete her artistic swimming vision for Singapore

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
The Straits Times

Villa now in the big leagues, thanks to their manager

On The Ball | There are doubts about the new Champions League format, its extended group stage and \"Swiss model\" fixture list. Try telling that to anyone connected with Aston Villa, though.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
REDS' WIN 'SPECIAL' FOR SLOT
The Straits Times

REDS' WIN 'SPECIAL' FOR SLOT

Manager says it will let wife see a happy man, but warns of tough stretch ahead

time-read
3 mins  |
October 06, 2024
Respectful Emery wary of United's winning mentality
The Straits Times

Respectful Emery wary of United's winning mentality

Unai Emery praised the under-pressure Erik ten Hag on Oct 4 as the Aston Villa boss labelled Manchester United \"the best team in the world\" despite their dismal form.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
ANGE FACES A 'CURIOUS' TEST BY HURZELER
The Straits Times

ANGE FACES A 'CURIOUS' TEST BY HURZELER

Brighton boss, who asked 'many questions' on a day at Spurs in 2023, has 'inside info'

time-read
3 mins  |
October 06, 2024
Pogba's 'nightmare is over' as ban cut to 18 months
The Straits Times

Pogba's 'nightmare is over' as ban cut to 18 months

French international footballer Paul Pogba said on Oct 4 that his \"nightmare is over\" after a four-year ban for doping was reduced to 18 months.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
Blues need time to compete with City, Arsenal
The Straits Times

Blues need time to compete with City, Arsenal

Chelsea are improving but are not yet ready to compete with top English Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal, manager Enzo Maresca said on Oct 4.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
The Straits Times

Billie Jean King Cup to align with Davis Cup format

The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will transition to an eight-team event in 2025, from the current 12, to mirror the existing Davis Cup format, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Oct 4.

time-read
1 min  |
October 06, 2024
Money talks to grow US rugby reportedly back on
The Straits Times

Money talks to grow US rugby reportedly back on

Rugby union's governing body World Rugby has revived talks to raise funds for growing the sport in the United States, three people familiar with the matter said.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024