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S. Iswaran, Singapore's former transport minister, arrives at the State Courts with his legal team in Singapore, January 18, 2024. /Reuters
Singapore's prime minister announced on Thursday the resignation of his transport chief after he was charged with 27 offences in a corruption probe that has also ensnared a billionaire hotel tycoon.
Transport Minister S. Iswaran was arrested in July 2023 and released on bail in connection with a rare top-level graft investigation in the city-state.
Iswaran, 61, said he would plead not guilty to the charges filed by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau when he appeared in court on Thursday.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed shortly after the hearing that Iswaran had submitted his resignation from the government, parliament and ruling People's Action Party (PAP) on January 16 after being given formal notice of the charges against him.
Iswaran has also pledged to return the money received as part of his salary and allowances since his arrest, Lee said.
"I reject the allegations in the charges and will now focus on clearing my name," Iswaran wrote in his resignation letter, which was published on the website of the prime minister's office.
In a separate statement on Thursday, the prime minister's office said Chee Hong Tat was appointed transport minister of Singapore.
Most of the charges against Iswaran relate to corruption, but he also faces one charge of obstruction of justice.
Among the accusations, Iswaran allegedly accepted tickets to high-profile sporting events from hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng, one of Singapore's richest people. Ong was arrested the same day as Iswaran in 2023 and also released on bail.
Lee noted that the government has dealt with this case rigorously in accordance with the law, and he is determined to uphold the integrity of the PAP party and the government.
The graft investigation has gripped Singapore, a global financial hub reputed to be among the least corrupt countries in the world. Cabinet ministers are paid salaries comparable to the top earners in the private sector to deter corruption.
(With input from AFP, Xinhua)