Singapore ruling party faces backlash due to scandals.

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore’s prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, acknowledged that his ruling party, the People’s Action Party (PAP), has suffered damage following a series of scandals. These scandals include a corruption investigation involving Transport Minister S. Iswaran and the resignations of two senior PAP lawmakers.

In his first address to parliament about the issue, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that Minister S. Iswaran has been suspended from duty and will receive reduced pay of S$8,500 per month until further notice. He emphasized that such incidents involving ministers are rare and that the PAP has a “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated, “…The PAP has taken a hit, but we will demonstrate to Singaporeans that we will uphold standards and do the right thing, in order to maintain trust.”

Regarding the ongoing corruption investigation, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that the findings of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) will be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, which will determine the appropriate course of action. However, he refrained from providing further details due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Singapore is preparing for elections to be held by 2025. Although the PAP has held power since 1959, recent scandals have raised concerns among voters who are already burdened by high living costs. The resignation of the two senior PAP lawmakers due to an “inappropriate relationship” further added to public dissatisfaction.

When questioned about why the relationship had been concealed since late 2020, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong admitted, “I should have addressed the issue sooner”.

(Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor)