On a rainy morning that seemed to echo the mood of the day, property tycoon Ong Beng Seng arrived at the State Courts on 4 August 2024. The 79-year-old, notable for bringing the Formula 1 night race to Singapore in 2008, was there to plead guilty to charges connected with former Transport Minister S Iswaran.
Details of the Charges
Ong is charged with abetting a public servant—specifically, then-Minister Iswaran—and is expected to plead guilty to one count of abetting the obstruction of justice. The charge of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts will be considered in sentencing. This development comes after initial plans to plead guilty on 2 April were rescheduled multiple times.
- **Wearing**: Ong was seen in a white shirt and black mask.
- **Condition**: He has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer.
- **Bail**: Ong has been out on bail set at $800,000.
Specific Allegations
The allegations against Ong specify that he instigated Iswaran to accept valuable gifts in December 2022, including:
- A private flight to Doha worth $10,400.
- A one-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha valued at S$4,737.63.
- A business class ticket back to Singapore paid for by Singapore GP, costing $5,700.
This entire trip amassed worth approximately $20,850. Ong also allegedly assisted Iswaran in a further attempt to make a payment related to this trip.
Consequences Awaiting Ong
If found guilty of abetting obstruction of justice, Ong could face up to seven years in jail or a hefty fine—or both. His legal woes mirror those of Iswaran, who was sentenced to 12 months’ jail in October 2024 for his own role in this case.
As Ong’s legal journey continues, the implications of this case are a reminder of the ongoing scrutiny facing public officials and associates in Singapore.