A FORMER grassroots leader was on Tuesday charged with misappropriating about $78,000 from the Aljunied-Kembangan branch of the People's Action Party.

Peter Lee Yoke Leong, 43, is accused of withdrawing $50,000 from the branch's bank account on Feb 2 last year. Four months later, the prosecution alleges he withdrew another $28,461.

Lee, who was not represented by a lawyer, did not say anything in court on Tuesday. His next court date has been fixed for Oct 21.

He was released on $12,000 bail.

If convicted, Lee could be jailed for up to three years and fined.

The Straits Times was told that the PAP Aljunied-Kembangan branch was closed down last year as part of a reorganisation of PAP units.