Singapore's Transport Minister Arrested or Involved in Corruption Journalist | Media | Transport Minister
The Singapore Corruption Investigation Bureau confirmed on the 14th that Singapore's Transport Minister Yi Huaren was recently arrested and subsequently released on bail, and is assisting the bureau in its investigation.
The Corruption Investigation Bureau disclosed on the 12th that Yi Huaren is assisting in the investigation. Due to the ongoing investigation, the bureau is temporarily unable to disclose any further details. On the same day, the Singapore Prime Minister's Office stated in a statement that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had requested Yi Wah jen to suspend his duties until the Corruption Investigation Bureau completed the investigation. According to the statement, the Director of the Corruption Investigation Bureau, Deng Zhaoting, reported the case to Lee Hsien Loong on the 5th and was approved the next day. The official investigation was launched on the 11th.
The Corruption Investigation Bureau confirmed in an email sent to media reporters on the evening of the 14th that Yi Huaren and Singaporean real estate tycoon Wang Mingxing were arrested on the 11th and subsequently released on bail.
Wang Mingxing is the executive director of Singapore listed company Hotel Property Limited, which facilitated the settlement of the Formula One World Grand Prix in Lion City and pioneered the world's only F1 night street race. Hotel Real Estate Co., Ltd. stated in a statement that Wang Mingxing has not been charged and the Corruption Investigation Bureau has requested him to provide information about his relationship with Yi Huaren.
Yi Huaren entered politics in 1997 and has served in multiple government departments, with the longest tenure in the Ministry of Trade and Industry. He was appointed as the Minister of Trade and Industry in charge of domestic economic affairs in 2015, took charge of the Department of Communications and News in 2018, and transferred to the position of Minister of Transport in 2021. According to Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao, Yi Huaren was responsible for the construction and supervision of casinos during his tenure in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and promoted Singapore to introduce F1 Grand Prix.
The Singapore government attaches great importance to combating corruption, with sound legal systems and strict law enforcement. Singapore's Asia News reported, citing analysts, that regardless of the investigation results, Yi Huaren's political career will be affected.
On the 15th, Singaporean former Minister of State and Social Policy Coordination, Shang Daman, said in an interview with media reporters that the Singaporean government takes any incidents involving corruption seriously, and the Corruption Investigation Bureau is given full investigative powers.
In Shangdaman's view, this incident is a "setback" for Singapore, but Singapore can use it as an opportunity to improve its system and demonstrate transparency.