SINGAPORE - The niece of a rich widow has successfully obtained court permission to sue the wife of a former China tour guide.

Madam Hedy Mok, the niece of 87-year-old Madam Chung Khin Chun, received court approval on Wednesday to add Madam Weng Yandan, wife of Mr Yang Yin, as a defendant in an on-going High Court suit.

The duo are alleged to have neglected in their legal duties in caring for Madam Chung and Madam Mok is seeking damages.

This is the latest development to take place between Mr Yang and the niece of 87-year-old widow Madam Chung Khin Chun over the widow's assets estimated to be worth $40 million.

Madam Mok had earlier commenced high court action to recover damages from Mr Yang. Last Friday, Madam Mok started legal proceedings against Madam Weng by naming her as a second defendant. Her lawyers had also submitted a court application to extend the Worldwide Mareva Injunction to include Madam Weng's assets.

The next pre trial conference is scheduled to take place on Nov 12.

Last Friday, the family court issued a temporary suspension of Mr Yang's legal powers under the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) granted to him in 2012 by 87-year-old Madam Chung Khin Chun.

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), which administers the LPA scheme, had been seeking to suspend both Mr Yang's powers under the LPA, and those of Madam Hedy Mok as Madam Chung's deputy.

But the court decided to let Madam Mok, who is Madam Chung's niece, to continue in her role. She was however told to report legal matters concerning her aunt to the OPG.