Pastor Lawrence Khong wins bid to quash suspension by Singapore Polo Club

Pastor Lawrence Khong (above) has won a court fight to quash his two-month suspension by the Singapore Polo Club. -- ST FILE PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA
Pastor Lawrence Khong (above) has won a court fight to quash his two-month suspension by the Singapore Polo Club. -- ST FILE PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA

Pastor Lawrence Khong has won a court fight to quash his two-month suspension by the Singapore Polo Club.

The suspension was over a mass e-mail that Mr Khong, the club's honorary secretary, sent out in April this year (13) to club members and to the Registrar of Societies.

In the e-mail, he questioned the conduct of the 2013 committee in amending the results of a vote of no confidence against the previous year's committee.

After a disciplinary hearing, he was told in August that he has been suspended for misusing the club's e-mail system and misusing his position as honorary secretary.

Mr Khong, represented by Mr Daniel Goh and Mr Adrian Wee, filed a High Court application to set aside the suspension, arguing that the five-member disciplinary tribunal was tainted by apparent bias.

On Thursday, the High Court set aside the suspension and ruled that Mr Khong was entitled to damages.

Contacted by The Straits Times, Mr Khong, who founded the Faith Community Baptist Church and is a former national polo player, said he was "heartened" by the court's decision.

He added that he was prepared to waive his claim for damages, if the club and its committee also agree to let the matter rest.

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