The corruption probe involving Transport Minister S. Iswaran has dealt a blow to the reputation of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Singaporean Government. This is especially significant because the PAP and the Government have always prided themselves on their integrity and probity, according to observers. If not handled appropriately, this scandal could have an impact on the party’s performance in the next general election, which is set to take place by November 2025.
Political watchers emphasize the importance for the Government to reinforce its zero-tolerance stance against wrongdoing within its ranks and to maintain transparency throughout the ongoing investigation. The fact that Iswaran is assisting in the investigations, as uncovered by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), has raised concerns among experts.
Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at Singapore Management University, states that this case has severely damaged the reputation of the PAP Government, which has long prided itself on its high standards of probity. He adds that Iswaran being put on leave during the investigation is a significant blow to the ruling party and suggests the presence of preliminary credible evidence of potential law-breaking. However, Tan emphasizes that Iswaran is still considered innocent until proven guilty.
This corruption probe follows two other recent controversies involving PAP office-holders. Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were accused of wrongdoing in relation to the rental of two Ridout Road black-and-white bungalows managed by the Singapore Land Authority. However, after a CPIB investigation, they were cleared of any corruption or wrongdoing. Another controversy involved Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin making an inappropriate remark about a Workers’ Party MP’s speech. These incidents have contributed to an unprecedented assault on the PAP’s credibility, which is particularly concerning as the party is currently undergoing a leadership transition.
Observers believe that these recent events, emerging in quick succession, are detrimental to the ruling party’s reputation. However, they also acknowledge the difference between the ongoing CPIB investigation and the previous cases. The clearance of Shanmugam, Balakrishnan, and others involved in the Ridout Road rental transactions demonstrates the absence of corruption in those instances.
While the current probe will inevitably damage the PAP Government’s reputation, it remains to be seen if this will affect the party’s political fortunes. Zulkifli Baharudin, a political observer and former nominated MP, highlights the importance of how the CPIB investigation is handled by the party. If the Government demonstrates that it remains committed to its values and exhibits a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, it could actually strengthen public support for the system. However, a mishandling of the situation could further erode public trust.
Dr. Gillian Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, emphasizes that the news of the ongoing CPIB probe is concerning. However, the fact that a minister is being interviewed demonstrates that the system for maintaining integrity in government is functioning as it should. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong confirms the Government’s commitment to transparency, stating that they will not hide any potentially embarrassing or damaging information. Dr. Koh adds that honesty, integrity, and probity are top priorities and that no one is exempt from the full process of accountability.
The biggest challenge for the PAP will be managing public perceptions that it has fallen short of its own high standards. According to SMU’s Prof Tan, the ongoing probe is likely to become a major issue during the next general election and may prompt discussions about the need for additional checks and balances. Zulkifli emphasizes that the handling of these cases will significantly impact public trust in the party.
In West Coast GRC, where Iswaran has been the anchor minister for over 20 years, the stakes will be higher in the next general election. West Coast GRC was the PAP’s narrowest win in terms of percentage points in the 2020 General Election. Prof Tan suggests that opposition parties may exploit the corruption probe as an election issue to argue for more opposition representation in Parliament. However, given that a probe is underway and no cover-up has been identified, the opposition cannot solely focus their campaign on this one issue.
Residents of West Coast GRC expressed shock upon learning about Iswaran’s involvement in the CPIB investigation. Nevertheless, they believe that the well-being of residents will not be affected by the outcome.
