In response to media queries during a walkabout at Teck Whye Shopping Centre on July 15, 2023, former Senior Minister and presidential hopeful Tharman Shanmugaratnam expressed his views on the ongoing probe by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) concerning Minister for Transport S Iswaran.
Tharman, who has known Iswaran for a long time, reassured the public that the investigation is not the end of Iswaran’s life or future, urging everyone to let the process run its course without making premature judgments.
Tharman emphasized that Singapore’s system, which allows CPIB to have full autonomy to investigate questions related to integrity and incorruptibility, is what sets the nation apart and garners admiration worldwide.
He highlighted that the Singapore system ensures that no prime minister interferes with CPIB’s work, and should such a day ever come, the president would be there to uphold the system’s integrity.
Even with the setback, Tharman remains optimistic about the strength of the Singapore system. He believes that Singaporeans will overcome this challenge, further reinforcing the nation’s commitment to maintaining integrity and trust between the government and its people.
Tharman pointed out that the confidence in the Singapore system is crucial for the country’s future, fostering trust domestically and gaining the trust of foreign entities internationally.
Recap
Singapore Minister of Tranport S. Iswaran was previously reported as assisting 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.
He was subsequently told to take a leave of absence by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong until the investigations are complete, with his duties being taken over by Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat, who will assume the role of Acting Minister for Transport.
Following which, on 14 July, it was made public that Ong Beng Seng has been issued a notice of arrest by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), according to The Straits Times.
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He has been asked to provide information to the CPIB about his interactions with Transport Minister S.Iswaran for their investigations.