January 18, 2024 2:30 PMSINGAPORE - The People’s Action Party (PAP) stance on corruption is non-negotiable and part of its DNA. There can be no compromise, relaxation, or fudging the issue; no matter the political price, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. “The PAP government will continue to do everything we can to uphold the highest standards of integrity, incorruptibility and propriety. That’s how we maintain the trust that Singaporeans have placed in us,” he told journalists on Jan 18. His remarks came hours after former transport minister S. Iswaran was handed 27 charges in court - two counts of corruption, 24 counts of obtaining items from someone he had business dealings with as a public servant, and one of obstructing the course of justice. DPM Wong said that the investigations into Iswaran were initiated by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and since then, the government pursued the matter “decisively and proactively”. Once CPIB completed its investigations and the public prosecutor assessed the findings independently, they decided to proceed with charges against Iswaran, said DPM Wong. In court, Iswaran pleaded not guilty, and is now out on $800,000 bail. When asked, DPM Wong said that the case would have “no impact” on succession and the leadership transition.