Singapore Transport Minister S Iswaran will remain in Singapore during his leave of absence in light of an ongoing investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released a statement via Channel NewsAsia on Thursday, July 13, providing details regarding the minister’s situation.
No access to govt buildings or official resources
As part of the ongoing investigation, Minister S Iswaran has been instructed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to take a leave of absence until the investigation is completed
During his leave of absence, Minister S Iswaran will have no access to any official resources and government buildings.
During S Iswaran’s leave of absence, Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat will assume the role of Acting Minister for Transport.
S’pore tycoon Ong Beng Seng issued notice of arrest
Hotelier Ong Beng Seng, the founder and managing director of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), which own the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Singapore, has been issued a notice of arrest by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), according to The Straits Times.
He has been asked to provide information to the CPIB about his interactions with Transport Minister S.Iswaran for their investigations.
Case uncovered by CPIB
Transport Minister S Iswaran is currently assisting with investigations with the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), who have reportedly uncovered a case that has prompted the need for a thorough inquiry involving Minister Iswaran and several others. The details of the case are yet to be disclosed to the public.
On July 5, the director of the CPIB personally briefed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong regarding the case and was given concurrence by the PM for the formal investigations.
Among the individuals who would be interviewed during the investigation, Transport Minister S Iswaran was prominently mentioned. The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement confirming this development and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong granted his concurrence for the CPIB to proceed with a formal investigation.
The investigations were then commenced on 11 July.