Ng Boon Gay's trial: Lawyers debate on graft laws

THE defence and prosecution once again crossed swords on Monday at the corruption trial of former anti-narcotics chief Ng Boon Gay, with both sides accusing the other of misunderstanding Singapore's laws on corruption.

The prosecution, rebutting the defence's submission that Ng had no case to answer, said it had satisfied the elements needed to make its case. The evidence produced in court so far, said the prosecution, shows that Ng had obtained oral sex from Ms Cecilia Sue knowing that she was seeking contracts with the Central Narcotics Bureau which he headed, and that there was a corrupt element in those transactions.

Ng is said to have obtained oral sex from the IT sales executive four times in exchange for furthering the business interests of her then-employers Hitachi Data Systems and Oracle Corporation Singapore.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Ken Hwee reiterated that under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Ng as a public servant was presumed to be corrupt since he had obtained gratification from Ms Sue, who had and was seeking business dealings with the Government. Because of a provision under the law, the prosecution also did not have to specify what favour Ng had shown Ms Sue. As such, Ng had to be called to the stand to answer to the charges, he said.

But defence counsel Tan Chee Meng said the prosecution had swept aside the pertinent points of the defence's submissions, and had also "mis-stated" the law. Since Ng and Ms Sue were in an intimate relationship at the time of the sexual encounters, said Mr Tan, the acts were given in the context of the relationship, and did not amount to gratification. He added that it was unfair for the prosecution to expect Ng to take the stand so it could make out its case.

After hearing both sides, the judge adjourned to make a decision. The case will resume at 2.30pm.

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