Former Singapore Transport Minister S Iswaran, who is currently serving a 12-month jail term, has been placed under home detention, according to reports.
The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) confirmed the decision, stating that Iswaran will serve the remainder of his sentence at his residence under specific conditions.
These include curfew monitoring with an electronic tag, staying occupied with work, study, or training, and reporting to SPS for counseling.
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Iswaran began his jail term on October 7, 2024. As part of the Prisons Act, inmates who display good behaviour during their time in prison can be considered for remission or home detention.
In Iswaran’s case, he was deemed eligible for home detention after serving two-thirds of his sentence. The SPS noted that he had shown good conduct, was of low risk of reoffending, and had strong family support.
Under the home detention scheme, inmates are allowed to leave their homes for approved employment during working hours, while those without employment are generally allowed out for a few hours in the afternoon. Iswaran’s lawyers confirmed that offenders typically become eligible for home detention after serving about one-third of their sentence.
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The decision comes after the former lawmaker pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to corruption.
In September 2024, he admitted to accepting valuables from two businessmen, Ong Beng Seng and Lum Kok Seng, while holding public office.
These items included tickets to events like Formula 1 races, musicals, and football matches, along with alcohol and a bicycle gifted to him for his 60th birthday. The total value of the gifts was estimated at SGD 403,300.
He also pleaded guilty to obstructing justice for delaying the repayment of a flight to Doha.
As a result of these charges, Iswaran resigned from his ministerial position in January 2024. He has also voluntarily returned SGD 380,305.95, which represents the value of the gifts he received.
The case involving Ong Beng Seng is still ongoing in the courts, but the Attorney-General’s Chambers has decided not to file charges against Lum Kok Seng.
Despite the home detention order, it is unclear whether Iswaran has officially been released from prison, as per a CNA report. The news outlet reported that no sign of his departure was observed by reporters stationed at Changi Prison, although multiple inmates were released around the same time.
This move marks a significant development in Iswaran’s legal case, as he serves out his sentence under more lenient conditions.
The home detention scheme, which is available to inmates who have served at least 14 days of their sentence and have demonstrated good behavior, allows for a more flexible approach to punishment while maintaining oversight.
Iswaran’s case has raised concerns over corruption among high-ranking officials in Singapore, but it also highlights the country’s legal framework for rehabilitation and the possibility of a reduced sentence for inmates who show remorse and take responsibility for their actions.
