Singapore held the first pre-trial conference for Malaysian property tycoon Ong Beng Seng over ties to Iswaran

SINGAPORE, Nov 16 — The first pre-trial conference for Malaysian property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, 78, took place yesterday at the state courts in Singapore, media outlet CNA reported, less than a week after his return to the country from a court. approved foreign trip.

Ong, who is facing two charges in connection with the high-profile corruption case involving former Transport Minister S. Iswaran, has yet to indicate how he plans to plead.

The charges against Ong stem from alleged actions in 2022 and 2023. He is accused of helping Iswaran obtain a fully funded trip to Doha in December 2022 worth S$20,850 (US$15,500).

In addition, he is accused of assisting Iswaran in paying S$5,700 for a return business class flight from Doha to Singapore in May 2023, after the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau began investigating the matter.

Ong, one of Singapore’s most prominent businessmen, was granted court permission on October 30 to leave Singapore for medical treatment in London and Boston, as well as business trips to Gibraltar and Spain.

His bail conditions were tightened, requiring an additional cash bail of S$800,000, bringing the total to S$1.6 million.

According to CNA, Ong returned to Singapore on November 9 as required and surrendered his passport.

The pre-trial conference, held in the chambers of District Judge Chee Min Ping, focused on procedural matters, the report said.

The Court also said that the court ordered the defense to submit observations to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) by November 29. Depositions typically outline arguments or mitigating factors, requesting leniency or amendments to the charges. The prosecutor has been instructed to respond by December 20.

A second pre-trial conference is scheduled for January 3, 2025.

If found guilty of abetting Iswaran under Article 165 of the Criminal Code, Ong could face a prison sentence of up to two years, a fine or both. A conviction for obstruction of justice under section 204A carries a more serious penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine or both.