Yahoo Finance ‘Singaporeans expect no less’, says PM Lee in response to Iswaran’s resignation and returning of monies
Former Transport Minister Iswaran will not "be seeking" the monies returned if, he "strongly believes", he is acquitted.
The Prime Minister’s office has released a statement today confirming the resignation of Subramaniam Iswaran from his role as Cabinet Minister and member of the People’s Action Party (PAP).
Following a formal notice of charges by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on Jan 16, Iswaran wrote to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to give notice of his resignation from his former roles, and his resignation as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the West Coast Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
In his letter, Iswaran denied all charges, writing: “Yesterday, the CPIB charged me with various offences. I reject the allegations in the charges and will now focus on clearing my name”
On Jan 17, the former Transport Minister further informed Lee of his returning of all monies received by way of salary as Minister and allowances as MP from the commencement of the CPIB’s investigations in July last year.
“I am doing this even though I reject the charges and am innocent. My family and I have decided to return the monies because we cannot in all good conscience benefit from them when I was unable, on account of the investigations, to discharge my duties as a minister and Member of Parliament,” writes Iswaran.
He adds: “This is also the right thing to do for Singapore and is in keeping with the government's high standards of integrity. So that there is no doubt, I will not be seeking the return of these monies if, as I strongly believe, I am acquitted.”
On the same day, Lee replied to Iswaran, accepting the latter’s resignation from his roles and acknowledging the return of monies.
“I am disappointed and saddened that you are leaving politics in these circumstances. But it is essential that I deal with such matters rigorously in accordance with the law. It is the right thing to do. We must uphold the integrity of the party and the government. I am sure you understand the importance of doing so. Singaporeans expect no less,” concludes Lee.
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