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Recap: Ong Beng Seng convicted, to be sentenced on Aug 15

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His lawyers urged the court to exercise judicial mercy and impose a fine with no prison time.

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Ang Qing, Anjali Raguraman, Fatimah Mujibah, Christine Tan, Samuel Devaraj, Isabelle Liew, Aqil Hamzah, Lee Li Ying

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Published: Aug 4, 2025

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Follow ST's live coverage.","jsonLd":"{\"@context\":\"https:\\/\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"LiveBlogPosting\",\"@id\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/live-singapore-ong-beng-seng-iswaran-case\",\"headline\":\"Live: Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty in case involving S. Iswaran\",\"description\":\"The property tycoon faces two charges, including abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts.\",\"coverageStartTime\":\"2025-08-04T07:30:00+08:00\",\"coverageEndTime\":\"2025-08-04T23:00:00+08:00\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/assets\\/ST-logo-default-aoeSLh4S.png\",\"width\":\"1228\",\"height\":\"96\"}},\"liveBlogUpdate\":[{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Hearing to start soon\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T09:28:39+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T13:33:15+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The courtroom is almost full, with about 50 people now.Ong peers around the room and surveys his surroundings. His mask is back up.Prosecutors and Ong\\u2019s two teams of lawyers, including senior counsels Cavinder Bull and Jason Chan, are all set up with their laptops and documents ready. They confer for a few moments before sitting.A security officer gives a pre-hearing brief for all mobile phones to be placed on silent mode.All is quiet in the courtroom as everyone awaits Principal District Judge Lee Lit Cheng\\u2019s arrival. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong pleads guilty\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:29:48+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T13:22:36+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\" to one charge of abetment of obstruction of justice, a charge related to the Doha trip.Another second charge of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts was taken into consideration for sentencing.The sentencing will be heard later today.READ MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Defence describes Ong\\u2019s medical condition: Metal rod in spine, non-healing wound\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:59:25+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T13:17:27+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Senior Counsel (SC) Cavinder Bull gives more details about the extent of Ong\\u2019s multiple myeloma \\u2013 a form of white blood cell cancer.He says Ong has a non-healing wound on his foot, which is at serious risk of infection and gangrene.This risk of infection is greater in prison than at home, where he has a clean environment without a significant number of people coming and going.SC Bull says the cancer has also compromised his spine and a metal rod has been inserted in it.If infected, the result would be \\u201ccatastrophic\\u201d, he adds, citing the words of Ong\\u2019s doctor.Besides the risk of infection, SC Bull says the medical condition has had a destructive impact on Ong\\u2019s skeletal system.While showing a radiology photo to Judge Lee, SC Bull says the cancer has resulted in a \\u201cfrightening hollowing out of his spinal vertebrae\\u201d. This means that the strength of Ong\\u2019s spine has been so compromised that any fall or injury could be catastrophic, with consequences such as permanent disability.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong seriously immunocompromised, has one of the most complex and high-risk cases of multiple myeloma: US doctor\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:53:06+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T13:07:10+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Several medical reports are referenced by the defence, laying out the severity of Ong\\u2019s medical condition \\u2013 including that he is on monthly chemotherapy for multiple myeloma.Around August 2020, Ong was diagnosed with the incurable cancer that affects plasma cells.A medical report noted that his multiple myeloma is not in complete remission and is currently volatile with risk of progression.Ong\\u2019s case \\u201crepresents one of the most complex and high-risk cases of multiple myeloma\\u201d, said US-based myeloma specialist Paul G Richardson.The reality is that Ong is immunocompromised because of the multiple myeloma, says the defence. His risk of succumbing to an infection therefore increases in prison, which means the risk of death in prison. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"anjalir\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore Prison Service says it has adequate system of healthcare, will fully study medical reports only upon admission\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:01:00+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T13:04:00+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"In the prosecution\\u2019s submission, they say the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) issued three letters stating that they have an adequate system of healthcare to manage Ong\\u2019s medical condition. The level of medical care and services he receives in prison would be comparable with the standard level of medical treatment received in public healthcare institutions.This includes referrals to the National University Cancer Institute and National Cancer Centre, if necessary.The SPS did not expressly deal with conclusions in the medical reports from Ong\\u2019s doctors that imprisonment would carry an increased risk of endangering his life.This is because SPS will fully evaluate Ong\\u2019s medical reports only after he has been admitted to prison.The defence says that in prison, Ong will not have the level of oversight he has at home. He adds that the prison has no one to watch him in the event of a sudden fall or paralysis.Senior Counsel Cavinder Bull says in order to survive, Ong will need a higher level of access to care than what is available in the prison.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Defence calls for no days in jail \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:36:30+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:59:16+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Senior Counsel (SC) Cavinder Bull summarises the mitigating factors for Ong\\u2019s case, which includes pleading guilty early, saving the court time and resources.He describes Ong\\u2019s health issues as a \\u201cdevastating cocktail of medical problems\\u201d, noting that a fall could lead to his death.He says as a matter of proportionality, Ong\\u2019s prison sentence should be reduced further from six weeks to no days in jail.SC Bull says Ong could come out of prison alive but if the impact on him is as serious as the doctors say, a stiff fine should be administered in place of a prison sentence.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong \\u2018simply complied\\u2019 with Iswaran\\u2019s request\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:38:37+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:56:16+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Senior Counsel (SC) Bull says there was no deliberation or premeditation on Ong\\u2019s part, and that he \\u201csimply complied\\u201d with former transport minister S. Iswaran\\u2019s request.\\u201cIswaran came up with the plan, he then put the plan into action,\\u201d says the defence, adding that Mr Ong\\u2019s involvement was much less significant.SC Bull says: \\u201cHe did not come up with a plan, he was not the initiator of the steps, he did not make payment. Instead, he received the request from the minister to (issue) the invoice, and he simply complied.\\u201dThe invoice was a bill for Mr Iswaran\\u2019s return flight from Doha to Singapore.He added that there was \\u201cno persistence\\u201d on Mr Ong\\u2019s part and that all the details were left to Singapore GP director Mok Chee Liang.\\u201cIt was just one instruction\\u2026 No evidence was deleted, no documents were doctored,\\u201d SC Bull says.\\u201cThe culpability of Ong is no more than half of Iswaran,\\u201d he adds.\\u201cIswaran was the \\u2018prime mover\\u2019 \\u2013 he initiated and came up with the idea and executed it.\\u201d\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"anjalir\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"ICYMI: Hearing plagued by delays, spotlight on Ong\\u2019s health and sentencing postponed\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T12:27:07+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:49:47+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong Beng Seng arrived at court on a wet and grey day flanked by his staff and security team.The hearing was delayed by about 45 minutes due to two false fire alarms.Ong pleaded guilty to one charge of abetment of obstruction of justice.Both defence and prosecution agreed that judicial mercy is warranted for Ong.Lawyers cited a US doctor\\u2019s report that Ong, who is considered \\u201cseriously immunocompromised\\u201d, has one of the most severe types of myeloma.Ong is at greater risk of respiratory infections and has had five such instances since 2022.Sentencing to take place on Aug 15 at 2.30pm after discussing with prosecution and defence, the judge said.Thank you for following ST\\u2019s live coverage.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Aggravating factors considered by the prosecution\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:52:51+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:47:29+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The prosecution says that Ong\\u2019s culpability is significantly lower relative to Mr S. Iswaran, as the latter was a sitting minister and had asked to belatedly pay for the business class flight.Still, there are some aggravating factors the prosecution has taken into consideration in asking for a jail term of eight weeks.Ong had abetted Mr Iswaran to belatedly pay for the business class flight \\u2013 valued at $5,700 \\u2013 for the Doha trip, which was a gift from Ong to the former transport minister.The prosecution notes that this forms the basis of the charge under Section 165 of the Penal Code, adding that the offence is a \\u201cserious one as its object is to safeguard the integrity of public institutions\\u201d.Ong also facilitated the abetment of obstruction of justice by alerting Mr Iswaran after learning about Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau\\u2019s (CPIB) discovery of the flight manifest, the prosecution says.Ong was implicated in the Doha trip and also in CPIB\\u2019s potential investigations \\u2013 his act of facilitating Mr Iswaran\\u2019s payment of the business class flight had the \\u201cinevitable effect\\u201d of potentially insulating not only Mr Iswaran but also Ong himself from investigations and prosecution.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Judge says sentencing to take place on Aug 15\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T12:00:51+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:29:55+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Judge Lee says she will reserve sentencing to Aug 15 at 2.30pm after discussing with the prosecution and defence.The defence has asked for bail to be extended. It has been set at $800,000.The court adjourns after a hearing that has lasted for one hour and 45 minutes.People start filing out of the courtroom.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong appears calm, leaves with his team\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T12:18:13+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:29:16+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"After the hearing concludes, Ong appears calm as he speaks with his lawyers.He places his arm around Senior Counsel Jason Chan, and later says to the defence team: \\u201cLunch? All of you can come.\\u201dBefore they leave, he says he needs to visit the toilet again.A member of his entourage tells the media there will be no comments from him today, and to get in touch with his public relations team.ST PHOTOS: SHINTARO TAY\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong cannot be put in another care plan in prison, says defence\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:21:03+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:25:36+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Senior Counsel Cavinder Bull says letters issued by Singapore Prison Service suggest that the level of care there will fall short of what Ong needs.He adds that considering the narrow physiological margin that Ong survives within, he cannot be taken out of the care plan he is in and wait for another period before the prison puts another care plan in place.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong\\u2019s likelihood of recovery remains \\u2018cautiously optimistic\\u2019: Defence\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:24:30+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:25:06+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Senior Counsel Cavinder Bull says the prognosis for Ong\\u2019s medical condition remains \\u201ccautiously optimistic\\u201d, but only with rigorous medical surveillance.He says the fragility of Ong\\u2019s stability cannot be overstated, describing his condition as existing in \\u201ca state of precarious balance\\u201d.He says this narrow margin of survival that Ong is in is exactly what warrants judicial mercy.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Both defence and prosecution agree on judicial mercy\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:29:21+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:24:37+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The defence says that judicial mercy is warranted in Ong\\u2019s case and would be appropriate in lieu of a custodial sentence.Senior Counsel (SC) Cavinder Bull notes that a custodial sentence is not mandatory in the present case because the unchallenged medical evidence demonstrates that the sentence of imprisonment would carry a high risk of endangering his life.\\u201cIt is, at least in my experience, extremely rare for both prosecution and defence to agree that judicial mercy is warranted,\\u201d SC Bull says.The defence also notes that \\u201ceven if we put judicial mercy to one side and apply a more traditional analysis to offence and offender specific factors, it\\u2019s my position that a fine would still be appropriate\\u201d.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Judge questions Ong\\u2019s ability to travel even with medical conditions\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:56:05+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:22:58+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Judge Lee asks the defence how Ong\\u2019s ability to travel overseas aligns with the severity of the medical conditions detailed in his medical reports.Before he pleaded guilty, Ong had been granted permission to travel to destinations such as Venice, Boston and the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.The judge says overseas travel entails increased exposure to infection, as highlighted by the defence.The defence says in the two instances that Ong travelled, he had the benefit of travelling on his own private jet.Senior Counsel Cavinder Bull says: \\u201cI\\u2019ve not experienced it myself, your honour, but I do understand from what I\\u2019m told that when one travels with (a) private jet, one does not need to be on the same level of contact with people.\\u201d \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong follows court proceedings attentively\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:59:00+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:12:31+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong, who is wearing a mask and scarf, listens attentively to the court proceedings.Seated in the dock, he looks back and forth between his lawyer Cavinder Bull and Principal District Judge Lee Lit Cheng during their exchange.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Fall risk mitigated by travelling with familiar crew, team\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:57:38+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:08:31+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Responding to questions from the judge on how Ong was able to travel overseas given the severity of his medical conditions, the defence says this was mitigated by him being in a familiar setting.Because Ong travelled in his private jet, with a familiar crew and the people who look after him daily, he was not in unfamiliar circumstances.These are people who know his medical routine and regimen and what to look out for.Hence, the fall risks in terms of unfamiliar surroundings is mitigating, the defence says.\\u201cBecause he is fortunate enough to be able to travel in this manner, those steps are taken.\\u201d \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"anjalir\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong has lived 79 years without running afoul of the law, says defence\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:54:44+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T12:01:13+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The defence listed out more mitigating factors for Ong, such as having a \\u201ctotally clean\\u201d record.He has never been convicted of any crimes and has lived 79 years without running afoul of the law, says the defence, adding that he is a law-abiding individual and has cooperated fully with the authorities.The defence also points out that Ong has always lent his expertise and network when called upon by the public sector to partner, host and engage in events that would elevate Singapore\\u2019s international profile. He had also played a key role in raising the bar for arts and entertainment in Singapore, such as concerts and cultural events like Eric Clapton, One Direction and Coldplay.Ong also supported his chauffeur\\u2019s four children\\u2019s primary and secondary school education after he died, says the defence, citing several examples of how Ong had provided money to people in unfortunate circumstances. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"HPL recoups losses\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:50:48+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T11:56:20+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Shares of Ong\\u2019s Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) erased early losses on Aug 4 as the court heard arguments over his sentencing after the property tycoon pleaded guilty to abetting the obstruction of justice in a case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran.HPL opened down 0.2 per cent, before tumbling as much as 1.3 per cent to $5.39 at 9.46am. At 11.30am, the counter had recouped all its morning losses and was back at $5.46.READ MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Who\\u2019s in the prosecution and defence team?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T09:48:11+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T11:52:15+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The four-person prosecution team comprises Deputy Chief Prosecutor Christopher Ong, who was appointed senior counsel in January.Senior counsels are an elite group of lawyers recognised for their advocacy skills, knowledge of the law and professional standing.He is joined by deputy public prosecutors Sarah Siaw and Kelvin Chong.Ong is represented by lawyers from two prominent law firms.They are Senior Counsel Cavinder Bull and Mr Adam Maniam from Drew & Napier and Senior Counsel Jason Chan, Ms Lee Bik Wei and Ms Cheryl Chong from Allen & Gledhill. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong living within narrow margin of survival, \\u2018no room for error\\u2019 \",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:10:37+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T11:50:55+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong needs to be in a tightly controlled care environment in the light of his condition, the defence says.His medical team \\u201ckeeps him within that very narrow margin of survival\\u201d via constant surveillance.This care is provided by a team of doctors and nurses who have \\u201cbuilt up a deep knowledge of Ong\\u2019s conditions\\u201d over four years, and they are available to him \\u201cpractically 24\\/7\\u201d.\\u201cHe needs this higher level of access to care in order to survive. This level of care is not available in prisons,\\u201d the defence says. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"anjalir\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"\\u2018Level of harm extremely low\\u2019: Defence\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:38:51+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T11:49:57+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The severity of Ong\\u2019s offences are not serious and the \\u201clevel of harm (is) extremely low\\u201d, the defence says.The defence points out that there was no adverse impact on Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) investigations and the authorities were not thrown off the trail.\\u201cIt\\u2019s not surprising that CPIB was not thrown off the trail because Mr Ong gave specific instructions to (keep proper records). No documents were backdated or doctored,\\u201d the defence says.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong at greater risk of respiratory infections, had 5 such infections since 2022: Defence\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:11:35+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T11:17:22+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong is at a greater risk of respiratory infections if he is in an enclosed space with others, says the defence, citing a medical report. He would benefit from his relationship with his medical team, the report states.Ong lives about 20 minutes from National University Hospital.The defence adds that Ong will be at a greater risk of infection if he is imprisoned, having had five such infections since March 2022, even when living in optimal conditions.The medical report says this was shown when Ong visited the doctor for influenza, but did not realise that his blood pressure was \\u201cdangerously low\\u201d.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What is judicial mercy?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:40:10+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T11:07:28+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Judicial mercy is the discretionary power of Singapore\\u2019s courts to give a more lenient sentence because of exceptional mitigating circumstances. It has a high threshold and has so far been exercised in only two types of situations.The first is where the offender is suffering from a terminal illness, while the second is where the offender is so ill that jail time would carry a high risk of endangering his life.Previous cases where it was invoked saw no imprisonment, a nominal period of imprisonment, or the statutory minimum.READ MORE: ST Explains: What is judicial mercy, and when is it invoked?ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong suffers from diarrhoea, a serious liability: Defence\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T11:01:52+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T11:01:52+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Aside from fall risk and paralysis, the defence also says that Ong suffers from intractable and sudden diarrhoea due to his medicines.This is a daily life-threatening liability, the defence adds.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What is multiple myeloma?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:41:10+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:50:39+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"On Feb 7, it was reported that Ong was receiving treatment for multiple myeloma \\u2013 a type of blood cancer.This cancer affects a type of white blood cells called plasma cells, which produce antibodies to help fight infection.In multiple myeloma, healthy cells turn into abnormal ones that multiply and produce abnormal antibodies, which can lead to a series of health issues.First, it can affect that body\\u2019s ability to make healthy white and red blood cells and platelets. Reduction of blood cells can cause anaemia, excessive bleeding and decreased ability to fight infection. Build-up of abnormal antibodies in the blood and urine can also damage the kidneys and other organs.Secondly, the cancerous cells can also damage and weaken the bone, making patients susceptible to fractures even with trivial injuries.Multiple myeloma is the second most common type of blood cancer, with approximately 100 to 120 new patients diagnosed in Singapore a year.While it is not curable, treatment options, including chemotherapy, are available to control the disease for years.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Prosecution accepts judicial mercy is warranted for Ong The prosecution accepts that the exercise of judicial mercy is warranted in Ong\\u2019s case and does not object to the maximum fine for him instead of imprisonment.\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:36:45+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:41:40+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma and is seriously immunocompromised, in part due to his cancer medication. The prosecution acknowledged that while eight weeks imprisonment would ordinarily be warranted, it said the \\u201cserious, complex and incurable medical conditions\\u201d is a key issue in the sentence the court metes out.If judicial mercy is granted by the judge, there will be no jail term for Ong. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"anjalir\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong Beng Seng\\u2019s court hearing finally starts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:20:39+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:35:06+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The court finally starts 45 minutes after the scheduled time \\u2013 no thanks to two false fire alarms. Senior Counsel (SC) Christopher Ong says he is joined by his prosecution team and an investigator from the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau.The defence\\u2019s SC Cavinder Bull also introduces his team.Judge Lee seeks a clarification from the defence if they are making any assertion that Ong did not know his act was likely to constitute an obstruction of justice.SC Bull says he is not.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Two false fire alarms in a row\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:11:29+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:13:56+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Once again, the fire alarm was a false alarm, says an announcement over the intercom.A technician is testing the courtroom buzzer and conferring with the court officer.The hearing has been delayed by more than 40 minutes so far.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Fire alarm announced as a false alarm About 20 minutes pass before a court officer tells a restless courtroom that they have to wait for the next announcement.\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:01:31+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:10:19+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Shortly after, an announcement over the intercom declares that the fire alarm was a false alarm.\\u201cWe apologise for any inconvenience caused,\\u201d the announcement says.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"HPL shares fall 1.3% with Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:04:39+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:09:56+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Shares of Ong Beng Seng\\u2019s Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) tumbled on Aug 4 as the property tycoon who founded the company was set to plead guilty in court in a case related to former transport minister S. Iswaran.HPL shares fell 1.3 per cent, or seven cents, to $5.39 as at 9.55am, after opening down 0.2 per cent. About 15,500 shares changed hands.READ MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Second fire alarm sounds\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T10:02:45+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:09:22+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"As court resumes, a second fire alarm sounds.Judge Lee tells the room: \\u201cWe\\u2019ll just check whether this alarm is a false alarm.\\u201dA court officer steps out of the courtroom.After conferring with a court officer, Judge Lee says: \\u201cI\\u2019m afraid we have been advised that we should wait for clearance before proceeding with the matter.\\u201dShe adds: \\u201cSo we\\u2019ll stand down.\\u201d\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"HPL shares dip by one cent\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T09:21:21+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:07:12+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Shares of Ong Beng Seng\\u2019s Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) opened down 0.2 per cent, or one cent, at $5.45 on Aug 4.Ong, who founded HPL, stepped down as its managing director in April after leading the property company for 45 years.HPL said then that Ong would continue to provide \\u201cstrategic oversight and direction\\u201d to HPL, whose famous hotel brands include Como Hotels and Resorts, Concorde Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hard Rock Hotels and Marriott International. Ong and his wife Christina control about 60 per cent of HPL, according to the company\\u2019s latest annual report, released on April 14.No statement has been issued by the company for the dip yet.As at Dec 31, 2024, HPL\\u2019s hotel division had a portfolio of 41 hotels across 17 countries.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What are the charges?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T08:06:08+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:01:16+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, 79, faces two charges in a case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran.On Oct 4, 2024, Ong was charged with abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts and abetting the obstruction of justice.He had allegedly arranged an all-expenses-paid trip for Mr Iswaran to Doha in December 2022, which was worth about $20,850.The trip included a flight from Singapore to Doha on Ong\\u2019s private plane, a night\\u2019s stay in the Four Seasons Hotel Doha and a business class flight from Doha to Singapore.Under Section 165 of the Penal Code, it is an offence for a public servant to accept anything of value from any person with whom he is involved in an official capacity without payment or with inadequate payment.Ong was also accused of alerting Mr Iswaran that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau had seized the flight manifest for the December 2022 trip, prompting him to ask the tycoon to bill him for the flight to avoid investigations.If convicted of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts, an offender can be jailed for up to two years, fined, or both.If convicted of abetting obstruction of justice, an offender can be jailed for up to seven years, fined, or both.READ MORE: Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng charged with two offences linked to Iswaran probe\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Timeline of case\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T08:15:29+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T10:00:47+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"July 11, 2023: Ong Beng Seng was arrested in relation to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau\\u2019s investigation into former transport minister S. Iswaran. Iswaran was arrested on the same day. Both men were released on bail.Oct 3, 2024: Mr Iswaran was sentenced to 12 months\\u2019 jail after he pleaded guilty to five charges, including accepting a number of valuable items from Ong.Oct 4, 2024: Ong was charged with abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts and abetting the obstruction of justice.Oct 30, 2024: Ong was given permission to go on a trip to London, Boston, Gibraltar and Spain, for work and medical treatment.Feb 7, 2025: It was reported that Ong was receiving treatment for multiple myeloma \\u2013 a form of white blood cell cancer.April 2, 2025: Ong was originally scheduled to plead guilty on this date, but the case was adjourned after his lawyers asked for more time to obtain his medical reports. The case was postponed to July 3.April 24, 2025: Ong was granted permission to travel to the US, Britain and Italy for work and medical reasons.May 9, 2025: Ong was given permission to travel to three more cities during his time overseas: Italy\\u2019s Venice and Bari and Dubrovnik in Croatia.July 3, 2025: Ong\\u2019s case was rescheduled to July 8.July 8, 2025: Ong\\u2019s case was again rescheduled to Aug 4.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong briefly leaves courtroom One of Ong\\u2019s lawyers, Mr Aaron Lee from Allen & Gledhill, enters the criminal dock holding a document.\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T09:53:19+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T09:58:21+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"He speaks to Ong before asking for the court officer to be alerted.The business tycoon steps out of the courtroom with the lawyer, who accompanies him for a toilet break. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Fire alarm goes off, hearing delayed\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T09:35:54+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T09:40:41+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"A fire alarm goes off the moment Principal District Judge Lee Lit Cheng walks into the room. An announcement repeats over the intercom: \\u201cThe fire alarm has sounded. We are investigating the cause of the alarm. Please remain calm and wait for further instructions.\\u201dThe hearing is delayed.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong Beng Seng arrives in court\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T08:59:27+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T09:33:57+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong Beng Seng arrives under an overcast sky. He enters the State Courts building flanked by his team and security, who tells reporters to make way for his arrival.Ong, wearing a white shirt and black mask, does not speak to the media.He was first supposed to plead guilty on April 2.This was postponed multiple times due to various reasons, including a request by his lawyers for an extension to obtain his medical report.ST PHOTOS: KELVIN CHNG, SHINTARO TAY\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Who is Ong Beng Seng?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T08:25:04+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T09:30:04+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong Beng Seng was born in 1946 into a wealthy family in Sabah, Malaysia. They moved to Singapore when he was four years old.He studied at Anglo-Chinese School and later obtained a degree in insurance from Britain.He went on to work in international insurance underwriting and broking in Europe, London and South-east Asia.Ong married Ms Christina Fu, a prominent businesswoman, in 1972. Three years later, he joined Kuo International, an oil trading company owned by his father-in-law Peter Fu.There, he made millions, and that money is said to have helped finance his later investments and property developments.Ong formed Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) in 1980 and acquired a number of hotels and properties in prime locations such as Orchard Road. The company was listed in Singapore in 1982.As at Dec 31, 2024, HPL\\u2019s hotel division had a portfolio of 41 hotels across 17 countries.Ong, a keen motorsport enthusiast, is known as the man who brought Formula One to Singapore in 2008. He owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix.READ MORE: Who is Ong Beng Seng, the tycoon caught up in CPIB\\u2019s probe involving Iswaran?\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"People trickle in as Ong waits in criminal dock\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T09:18:06+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T09:26:09+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong Beng Seng, now unmasked, sits in the criminal dock.A court officer speaks to him before he reads through a document.The courtroom fills up with about 30 people. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ang Qing\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"No sight of Ong as media await his arrival outside court\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T08:46:05+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T09:02:02+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Members of the media are seen waiting in the rain outside the State Courts for Ong Beng Seng to make an appearance.His hearing is set for 9.30am.About 16 out of 40 tickets for the public gallery have been given out. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"fatimah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T07:45:25+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T08:43:01+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong is expected to plead guilty to one charge of the abetment of obstruction of justice and to consent for a second charge \\u2013 of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts \\u2013 to be taken into consideration for sentencing. If he does so, the prosecution will read a statement of facts detailing what transpired. If Ong tells the court that he unequivocally agrees to the facts, he will be convicted.Ong, 79, was first set to plead guilty on April 2, but this was postponed after his lawyers asked for an extension to obtain his medical reports.He was then slated to plead guilty on July 3, but this was rescheduled one day before the hearing as the prosecution and defence needed more time to file further submissions on sentencing.The case then went through several pre-trial conferences before a hearing was finally set for Aug 4, more than two years after investigators discovered the first piece of evidence.Here\\u2019s a recap of the events leading to this morning\\u2019s court appearance for Ong.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: ST FILE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"linettel\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What will happen today?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-04T07:48:58+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-04T08:39:10+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ong is expected to plead guilty to two charges - one of the abetment of obstruction of justice and another of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts.The prosecution and defence will then set out their cases for what they think should be the appropriate sentence for Ong. This will be calibrated to similar cases of the offence, and account for aggravating or mitigating factors.Sentencing submissions are usually \\u201ctaken as read\\u201d, with only the most important points highlighted orally. But expect both sides to argue fervently for why their arguments should be heeded by the judge.The judge will take in the arguments before pronouncing a sentence, possibly after a few hours of deliberation.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"linettel\"}}]}","keywords":"Ong Beng Seng, Iswaran, Iswaran trial, Iswaran case, transport minister, court, Davinder Singh, CPIB, Singapore Grand Prix, Formula One, F1, STB, plead guilty, Section 165, sentence","robots":"index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1","image":"https://static1.straitstimes.com.sg/s3fs-public/articles/2025/08/04/obsblogshellthumbnail.jpg?VersionId=CeFAANmXlNb1m6yZJeKenMFJ2OQ6wgD7"},"gaData":{"level2":"23","chapter1":"","chapter2":"","title":"Live:_Ong_Beng_Seng_sentencing","title_ga":"Live: Ong Beng Seng sentencing","pagination":"1","contenttype":"live blog"}},"dependentPaths":[]}}},"actionData":null,"errors":null}