Former transport minister S. Iswaran, who is facing corruption charges, has been granted permission to extend his trip to Australia by 16 days due to falling ill while abroad.
Iswaran, who is currently in Australia to settle his son into university, was initially scheduled to return to Singapore on March 4 but has now been allowed to stay until March 19. The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) confirmed that the defence filed an urgent application for the extension, which was approved at the State Courts on March 4, according to Straits Times Report.
The prosecution did not object to the request but imposed enhanced bail conditions on Iswaran. He must report to the investigation officer daily via video call to update on his medical condition and return plans. He is also required to surrender his passport to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau by March 20.
Iswaran, who faces 27 charges and is out on $800,000 bail, had previously obtained permission to travel to Australia on Feb 8. The prosecution had set conditions including an additional cash bail of $500,000 and providing his itinerary and overseas address to the IO.
Iswaran’s bailor, identified as Mr Ng, had agreed to these conditions before the judge.
The case will be transferred to the High Court upon his return, given the significant public interest in the matter.
Iswaran is accused of 24 counts of obtaining items valued at over $200,000 from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng while serving as a minister. Ong is known for bringing the Formula One race to Singapore in 2008.
