The pre-trial conference against a former Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) protocol chief who has been accused of cheating was on Friday adjourned for Jan 9.

It will be the fourth conference in the case against Lim Cheng Hoe, who faces 60 counts of cheating, totalling almost $89,000. He allegedly submitted false expense claims for pineapple tarts and wine between February 2008 and May 2012.

The 60-year-old's lawyer Nicklaus Tan from Harry Elias Partnership said that the defence had made its representations on Friday, and will be waiting for prosecutors to reply.

"By January hopefully we will have something conclusive, and we will continue to take our client's instructions on the matter," added Mr Tan.