SINGAPORE: Former transport minister S Iswaran has declined to appeal the 12-month jail sentence he was handed last week and has apologised to Singaporeans in a statement released today .
Iswaran, 62, a former cabinet member for 13 years who held the trade, communications, and transport portfolios, pleaded guilty last month to four counts of improperly receiving gifts and one of obstructing justice.“It was important to me that the Public Prosecutor amended the charges against me under the Prevention of Corruption Act to those under section 165 of the Penal Code regarding the acceptance of gifts by public servants.
He also indicated that the prospect of a lengthy trial may have driven him to plead guilty after initially contesting the charges. He said: Thanking those who stood by him in his time of need, the ex-politician added: “I thank all who have stood resolutely by me and helped me face the darkest hours with strength. I am so very touched by my family’s love, prayers and support.
The 62-year-old was arrested in July last year following an investigation into allegations of receiving expensive gifts from businessmen, including property tycoon Ong Beng Seng.
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