Singapore’s Stand on Corruption: From Lee Kuan Yew to the Iswaran Case

Singapore has long been hailed as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, a position that has its roots in the early leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding father. Since independence in 1965, Lee and his government took a hard stance against corruption, recognizing that it was one of the greatest threats to economic stability and public trust. The creation of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in 1952, prior to independence, was a cornerstone in ensuring that corruption did not take root in Singaporean society. Over the years, CPIB has earned a reputation for being strict and thorough, regardless of the social or political standing of the individuals involved.

Early Corruption Scandals: Setting a Precedent for Zero Tolerance

One of the first major corruption scandals in independent Singapore occurred in 1966, involving Tan Kia Gan, the former Minister for National Development. Tan was accused of improper conduct concerning a business deal that he had a personal stake in. This was a critical moment for the newly independent country, as the handling of the case would set a precedent for future leaders and public servants. After an investigation, Tan was stripped of his public appointments, and Singapore signaled that even those at the highest levels of government were not immune to the consequences of corruption.

This precedent continued in 1975 with another significant case involving Wee Toon Boon, then Minister of State for the Ministry of Environment. Wee was convicted of accepting bribes in exchange for business favors, and his conviction sent shockwaves through the government. Wee was sentenced to four years in prison and became a reminder that personal greed would not be tolerated, regardless of one’s political stature.

The 1986 Teh Cheang Wan Case: A Tragic Example

Perhaps one of the most tragic cases in Singapore’s fight against corruption was the case of Teh Cheang Wan, the former Minister for National Development. Teh was a high-ranking and powerful figure in Singapore’s government, serving as a trusted member of Lee Kuan Yew’s cabinet. In 1986, Teh was under investigation for accepting bribes in return for approving land deals. Before the investigation could conclude, Teh took his own life, leaving behind a note apologizing to Lee Kuan Yew and his family.

Lee Kuan Yew, known for his unflinching commitment to eradicating corruption, famously declared that he would not have spared his own family members had they been involved in such practices. The Teh Cheang Wan case remains a sobering reminder of the human cost of corruption and the lengths to which Singapore would go to preserve its integrity. It was a demonstration that the government was prepared to prosecute even those closest to its leadership.

Modern Corruption Cases: A Test of the System

Though the system put in place by Lee Kuan Yew has proven remarkably effective, recent decades have seen a few cracks in Singapore’s reputation for incorruptibility. In 2013, Edwin Yeo, a senior assistant director at CPIB, was found guilty of misappropriating S$1.7 million from the anti-corruption agency itself. Yeo’s actions embarrassed the institution that was meant to uphold Singapore’s zero-tolerance approach. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but the case underscored the need for constant vigilance, even within the institutions tasked with safeguarding integrity.

In 2017, Singapore faced another significant corruption-related scandal when Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd., one of its largest companies, was implicated in a bribery case involving the payment of over US$55 million to Brazilian officials to secure contracts. Though this case did not directly involve government officials, it tarnished the country’s international reputation for clean business practices. The Singaporean government and Keppel fully cooperated with authorities, resulting in a massive settlement of US$422 million to avoid prosecution.

The Iswaran Case: Small in Amount, Big in Impact

Most recently, in July 2023, S. Iswaran, the then-Minister for Transport, was arrested as part of an investigation into corruption by the CPIB. While the details of the case are still emerging, it has been reported that the amount in question is relatively small compared to previous scandals. However, the impact of this case has been significant, as Iswaran is the first sitting minister to be arrested on corruption charges since Singapore gained independence.

This case shocked the public and drew international attention, not because of the monetary value, but because it involved a senior government official from a political party (the People’s Action Party, or PAP) that had built its entire reputation on clean governance. The then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that the government would not tolerate any form of corruption, no matter how small, and that Iswaran’s case would be handled with full transparency .

The investigation into Iswaran is completed, and it has caused a stir both within and outside of Singapore. For a country that has prided itself on incorruptibility, even a minor infraction has the potential to tarnish its carefully built image.

The Importance of Preserving Integrity

The Iswaran case, though small in comparison to the billion-dollar scandals that plague other nations, is a reminder of how fragile a reputation can be. Singapore’s success, both economically and socially, has been built on a foundation of integrity, transparency, and accountability. For decades, Singapore has been a beacon of clean governance, and its leaders have worked hard to ensure that corruption does not take root in public or private institutions.

Corruption, if left unchecked, can have devastating effects on a country’s global standing, investment climate, and the trust of its citizens. Singapore’s prosperity has been closely tied to its reputation for having one of the least corrupt governments in the world. A single case, no matter how small, can cast doubt on that reputation, making it essential for Singapore to continue its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.

Internally, corruption can erode the public’s trust in its leaders, creating a disconnect between the government and the people. Externally, it can lead to a loss of confidence among international investors, who have come to Singapore precisely because of its transparent legal and business frameworks.

Vigilance in a Changing World

As Singapore navigates the complexities of modern governance, the lessons from its history remain as relevant as ever. The cases of Tan Kia Gan, Wee Toon Boon, Teh Cheang Wan, and, most recently, S. Iswaran, all highlight that no system is immune to corruption. However, it is how Singapore responds to these cases that sets it apart.

By continuing to act swiftly, transparently, and with zero tolerance, Singapore can preserve its standing as a model of clean governance. The country’s future success depends on maintaining the public trust that has been painstakingly built over the years, and ensuring that corruption, no matter how small, does not compromise the integrity of its institutions.