In this file photo dated Oct 20, 2022, people sit on benches during lunch time opposite the Parliament building in Singapore. (PHOTO / AFP)

SINGAPORE — Seah Kian Peng, a member of parliament for Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency in Singapore, was elected as the city-state's speaker of parliament Wednesday.

During his first speech as the speaker, Seah called on his colleagues in the parliament to be vigilant in personal conduct and bear the weight of office with dignity and a sense of duty.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong nominated Seah as the speaker on July 21 to replace Tan Chuan-Jin, who resigned on July 17was addressing a recent spate of scandals that has rocked the city-state, which is otherwise known for its corruption-free and stable politics

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong nominated Seah as the speaker on July 21 to replace Tan Chuan-Jin, who resigned on July 17.

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Seah previously served as the deputy parliament speaker between 2011 and 2016.

Meanwhile, Singapore's transport minister, who is under investigation by the country's anti-graft agency, has been barred from duty until further notice, Lee said in his first remarks on the matter in parliament on Wednesday.

Lee was addressing a recent spate of scandals that has rocked the city-state, which is otherwise known for its corruption-free and stable politics.

Transport minister S Iswaran has been given a reduced pay of S$8,500 per month, Lee said. He declined to give further details as the investigation was ongoing.

"When the investigation is completed, CPIB (Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau) will submit its findings to the Attorney-General's Chambers, which will decide what to do with them," said Lee.

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He said such incidents involving ministers are rare, and that the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has "zero tolerance" for corruption.