Dignity in disgrace: The Iswaran case

The former minister accepted the court’s decision maturely, without any rancour

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By M Santhananaban

When Singapore’s former transport minister, S Iswaran, presented himself to be taken to prison on 7 October, he displayed not only his loyalty to Singapore but also his lofty respect for the country’s legal system.

Initially charging him with corruption, the state later amended the charges to accepting gifts deemed to be both illegal and valuable. 

Iswaran was responsible enough to plead guilty, accept the judgment of the court and proceed to serve his prison term. 

There was chilling and consummate efficiency in the entire episode.

Iswaran was represented by the best senior lawyer he could get.

That senior lawyer engaged in legalistic arguments with his opposite number in court.

But judgment was left to the judge. The judge, Vincent Hoong, imposed a sentence of 12 months. This sentence was handed down after hearing arguments from both sides. 

No regret or rancour was expressed by the parties concerned, although academics and analysts had their own take.

The entire process was done with efficiency, transparency, temperance and total trust placed in the state’s institutions.

Iswaran has played his role in an impeccable, mature and measured manner.

Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
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Benedict Lopez
9 Oct 2024 6.29pm

Iswaran conducted himself in a dignified manner from the time he was charged till the end of the trial. A sad end to a politician who served his country with distinction since 1997.