Ong Beng Seng’s lawyers ‘review position’ in case, as property tycoon receives cancer treatment
Source: Business Times
Article Date: 08 Feb 2025
Author: Jessie Lim
The managing director of HPL faces two criminal charges in relation to dealings with former minister S Iswaran.
Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who faces two criminal charges in relation to dealings with former minister S Iswaran, is receiving treatment for cancer, The Business Times has learnt.
On Feb 7, the court heard that Ong’s lawyers will “review (their) position”. Asked by BT if this meant Ong is considering whether to plead guilty, a representative for the billionaire declined to comment.
Amarjit Singh Sidhu, a litigation lawyer who runs his own law firm, said this could mean the defence is taking further instructions from Ong and will likely meet the prosecution to finalise their position. “They are studying the case and may be deciding whether Ong will plead guilty or claim trial,” he explained.
Ong, 79, has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, BT understands. A form of white blood cell cancer, it is characterised by the abnormal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow.
The managing director of Hotel Properties Ltd (HPL) is widely known as the man who brought the Formula 1 night race to Singapore in 2008, and owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix.
He faces one charge of abetting offences under Section 165 of the Penal Code, and one charge of abetting the obstruction of justice.
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 then minister there. The flight was worth US$7,700.
Ong also allegedly made arrangements through race promoter 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. Abetting an offence would result in the same punishment if the offence is committed as a consequence of the abetment.
The maximum penalty for obstructing the course of justice is jail time of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Ong previously left Singapore in October 2024 to visit London, Boston, Gibraltar and Spain for work and medical treatment.
The tycoon, whose bail was extended, will return to court on Feb 28 for a third pre-trial conference.
Source: The Business Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
3244