Here’s Why Iswaran is Allowed to Stay in Australia Until 19 March 2024

Here are some fresh new updates on the situation of former Transport Minister Subramaniam Iswaran.

Picking up from the last chapter of this saga, he has been granted permission to extend his trip in Australia by 16 days because he had fallen ill.

Iswaran, facing 27 charges, including corruption and obtaining valuables as a public servant, had travelled to Australia in order to help his son settle into his university. Initially set to return on 4 March, his trip had been extended to 19 March.

In order to leave Singapore while on bail, Iswaran had to apply for and receive permission from the State Courts on 8 February 2024, three weeks after he was handed the charges.

He had also agreed before a judge to foot an additional cash bail of S$500,000, providing his itinerary and address, remaining in contact with the investigation officer (IO), and surrendering travel documents upon return.

Iswaran Reportedly Hospitalised and Discharged on 5 March

Iswaran was reportedly hospitalised for respiratory illness in Melbourne and discharged on 5 March.

According to The Straits Times, he was cared for by Cabrini Malvern, a hospital located in southeast Melbourne operated by Cabrini Health, not-for-profit private health service provider.

The hospital is also located about five kilometres away from Monash University, the school Iswaran’s son is currently attending. 

Iswaran was reportedly advised by his doctor not to travel for 12 days after his discharge on 5 March. 

On 4 March, a spokesman for the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) spokesperson confirmed that the defence had applied for Iswaran’s trip extension to the State Court.

The prosecution accepted the application but set stricter bail terms on top of his existing terms.

He must conduct daily video calls with the investigation officer (IO) to give updates on his medical status and to report on whether there are any issues concerning his arrival to Singapore by 19 March.

Additionally, he must surrender his passport to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau by 20 March.

Iswaran had pleaded not guilty to all 27 charges and has since resigned from his position at the People’s Action Party in January 2024.

In his resignation letter dated 16 January, Iswaran expressed his rejection of the charges against him and affirmed his commitment to focus on proving his innocence.

As of the present, Iswaran could potentially face severe penalties for corruption charges, including a fine of up to S$100,000, a maximum seven-year prison term, or both, for each corruption charge.

Additionally, he could be fined, imprisoned for up to two years, or both, for receiving valuable items from individuals with whom he had business dealings while serving as a public servant.

If found guilty of obstructing justice, he could face imprisonment for up to seven years, fines, or both.