The 46-year-old Buddhist monk made a swift exit after the pre-trial conference, refusing to speak to reporters who were waiting outside.

His lawyer Mr Hamidul Haq later told The Straits Times: 'We are in the midst of negotiations with the Attorney-General Chambers'.

Shi is facing charges of forgery, falsifying accounts, giving false information to the Commissioner of Charities and defrauding the charity out of about $300,000.

Ren Ci is the second largest charity here.

He is due in court on Oct 29 for another pre-trial conference.