THE lawyers of billionaire and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng will have to make representations on behalf of their client by Nov 29, the court heard on Friday (Nov 15).
At the first pre-trial conference held in relation to Ong’s case, District Judge Chee Min Ping said that if any representations are received by Nov 29, the prosecution is to reply by Dec 20. When asked whether Ong has any intention of pleading guilty or claiming trial, a spokesman for the billionaire declined to comment.
Ong faces one charge of abetting offences under Section 165 of the Penal Code, one charge of abetting the obstruction of justice, both in relation to dealings with former transport minister S Iswaran.
The first charge, for abetting an offence under Section 165, relates to flights and a hotel stay. Ong allegedly offered Iswaran a trip to Doha in December 2022, and arranged for his private jet to fly the minister there. The flight was worth US$7,700. Ong also allegedly made arrangements through Singapore GP for a one-night stay at Four Seasons Hotel Doha, valued at S$4,737.63, and is said to have offered Iswaran a business-class flight from Doha to Singapore worth S$5,700.
The second charge was for allegedly instructing Singapore GP director Mok Chee Liang, in May 2023, to bill Iswaran for the business-class ticket from Doha to Singapore – an action that would have obstructed the course of justice.
Those found guilty of offences under Section 165 can be jailed for up to two years, fined, or both. The maximum penalty for obstructing the course of justice is jail time of up to seven years, a fine, or both. Abetting an offence would result in the same punishment if the offence is committed as a consequence of the abetment.
On Friday, District Judge Chee said that Ong’s bail will be extended. Ong was previously granted permission to leave Singapore for a work trip between Oct 31 and Nov 9 to visit London, Boston, Gibraltar and Spain.
His next court date will be Jan 30, 2025.
