SINGAPORE — Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) has announced today that its Managing Director, Mr Ong Beng Seng, has been summoned by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) to assist in a high-profile investigation into a cabinet minister.
The board of directors of HPL made the announcement on Friday (14 Jul) on the Singapore Stock Exchange regarding a request for information from CPIB about Mr Ong’s interactions with Minister S Iswaran.
The news comes in the wake of a flurry of viral rumours on private social media platforms surrounding the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, an event spearheaded by Mr Ong.
While Mr Ong has been given a notice of arrest and posted a bail of $100,000, no charges have been filed against him, said HPL.
It added that Mr Ong will be travelling from 14 July 2023 and will surrender his passport to the CPIB upon his return.
Mr Ong is said to be fully cooperating with the CPIB. The nominating committee has determined that Mr Ong remains fit to continue his role as the Managing Director.
According to the announcement, the board will continue to monitor the situation and reassess Mr Ong’s suitability for his position as developments unfold.
The CPIB affirmed the investigation into Mr Iswaran on Wednesday (12 Jul) but has remained tight-lipped about the specifics. It has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, asserting it will not hesitate to act against parties involved in corrupt activities.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and has asked Mr Iswaran to temporarily step down from his ministerial duties.
Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat will assume the role of Acting Minister for Transport in Mr Iswaran’s absence. The Deputy Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, assured the public that the government and the People’s Action Party (PAP) will remain transparent and accountable.
As part of the investigation, Mr Iswaran is required to remain within the country, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. He will be cut off from official resources and prohibited from entering any government buildings for the duration of his leave.
