A property billionaire in Singapore has recently been charged with obstructing justice and aiding offenses by a former transport minister who was jailed in a high-profile government corruption case. Ong Beng Seng, a 78-year-old Malaysian tycoon, is accused of providing expensive gifts to ex-minister S. Iswaran, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison for receiving gifts improperly and obstructing justice.
Singapore, known for its clean governance and high salaries for ministers to prevent corruption, has been captivated by this scandal. Ong Beng Seng, the owner of Hotel Properties Limited and the rights holder of the Singapore Grand Prix Formula One race, allegedly gave gifts worth over $300,000 to Iswaran, including tickets to EPL matches, the F1 Grand Prix, London musicals, and a private jet ride to Doha.
Ong has not commented on the allegations and did not enter a plea during his court appearance. His company, Hotel Properties Ltd, requested a trading halt following the announcement of the charges. The court heard during Iswaran’s trial that the minister’s request to be billed for the private jet trip to Doha was a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice and avoid investigation after authorities seized the flight manifest.
Ong Beng Seng is facing one count of aiding Iswaran in receiving valuables and one count of obstructing justice. His court hearing has been adjourned until pre-trial proceedings on Nov 15, after being arrested in July 2023. The case has raised concerns about corruption and transparency in Singapore’s government, with citizens closely following the developments in this high-profile scandal.