SINGAPORE, Aug 2 — Singapore's prime minister on Wednesday said his ruling party had 'taken a hit' over a spate of scandals, including a graft probe and senior lawmakers' resignations, which shocked the city-state otherwise known as a haven of political stability.
In his first remarks to Parliament on the issue, Lee Hsien Loong told lawmakers that Transport Minister S. Iswaran, under investigation by the country's anti-graft agency, has been barred from duty and given reduced pay of SG$8,500 (RM28,878) a month until further notice.
[caption id="attachment_318555" align="alignleft" width="451"]
Singapore's Trade and Industry Minister S. Iswaran speaks during a news conference at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix night race in Singapore, on September 15, 2017. — Picture by REUTERS[/caption]
He said such incidents involving ministers are rare, and the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has 'zero tolerance' for corruption.
"...The PAP has taken a hit, but we will show Singaporeans that we will uphold standards and do the right thing so trust is maintained.
"When the investigation is completed, CPIB (Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau) will submit its findings to the Attorney-General's Chambers, which will decide what to do with them," said Lee, declining to provide further details as the investigation is ongoing.
Singapore is due to hold elections by 2025. While the PAP has maintained a grip on power since 1959, voters, already bruised by high living costs, have raised eyebrows at the graft probe and resignations of two senior PAP lawmakers because of an 'inappropriate relationship'.
The lawmakers, including the House Speaker, resigned last month.
When asked why their relationship was kept under wraps since late 2020, Lee said, "I should have forced the issue earlier".
— Reuters
