Former Singaporean Transport Minister S Iswaran has commenced his 12-month prison sentence, with the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) confirming that he has been housed in a single-man cell due to heightened safety and security concerns. The 62-year-old surrendered at the State Courts on Monday, ahead of a 4 pm deadline, and was subsequently taken into custody.
According to the SPS, Iswaran’s single-man cell measures approximately 6.9 square meters, including toilet facilities, and is equipped with basic necessities such as a straw mat and two blankets for sleeping. The SPS emphasized that all inmates, regardless of their background or status, receive the same treatment and are subject to the same prison rules and processes.
In a statement, the SPS explained that Iswaran underwent a comprehensive safety, security, and medical assessment upon admission, which led to the decision to house him in a single-man cell. This assessment is a standard procedure for all inmates, and the SPS takes into account various factors, including an individual’s safety and security risk, as well as their medical needs.
The SPS also outlined its processes for admitting new inmates, which include the collection and documentation of personal belongings, a search for contraband, and a medical examination by a Prison Medical Officer. Inmates are provided with basic necessities such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, clothing, slippers, towels, and plastic spoons for meals.
Iswaran’s imprisonment comes after he was handed a 12-month sentence on October 3, with the judge nearly doubling the prosecution’s recommended sentence of six to seven months. The former minister was found guilty of accepting gifts by public servants under Section 165 of the Penal Code.
In a statement on Facebook, Iswaran apologized unreservedly to all Singaporeans, accepting full responsibility for his actions. He also expressed his decision not to appeal the sentence, stating that he acknowledges his wrongdoing and is willing to face the consequences.
During his imprisonment, Iswaran will be allowed to maintain contact with his family and loved ones through face-to-face visits, tele-visits, or e-letters, in line with the SPS’s policies. He will be permitted to receive up to two visits per month, with one being a face-to-face visit, and can write up to four e-letters per month.
As Iswaran begins his prison term, the SPS has reassured the public that he will be treated like any other inmate, with his safety and security being the top priority. The former minister’s imprisonment serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the rule of law in Singapore.