A Singaporean former minister pleaded guilty to bribery charges Tuesday after more severe allegations were dropped, local media said, as the first graft trial of a political office holder for more than four decades began in the city-state. Ex-transport minister S. Iswaran, known for helping bring Formula 1 to the financial hub, was earlier this year hit with 35 charges mostly related to graft in a nation often cited as one of the world’s least corrupt.
But proceedings at the Supreme Court were quickly adjourned and prosecutors moved forward with five lesser charges — one for obstruction of justice and four related to the receipt of gifts from two businessmen, including a billionaire property tycoon.
Iswaran, 62, pleaded guilty to all five charges and the remaining 30 will be taken into consideration for sentencing, Singaporean broadcaster CNA and news site The Straits Times reported.
