Sex-for-contracts trial: Ex-SCDF chief just a 'rubber-stamp' in procurement process

The ongoing cross-examination of former civil defence chief Peter Lim Sin Pang, got heated at times on Tuesday morning, with Lim getting agitated at the rapid-fire style of Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Kiat Pheng.

At several junctures Lim, 52, asked Mr Tan to repeat his questions, at some points even responding even before the DPP Tan completed his questions.

The prosecutor had been trying to show that Lim has been inconsistent in his testimony that he has given to the court.

On Monday, during Lim's initial testimony, he had said that he preferred to lead by example and this was the reason he had personally called two security companies, including Ms Pang Chor Mui, 49, to ask if they have radiation monitors. This morning, the court heard that Lim did not trust his officers when there was an urgent need for the radiation portal monitors, because they were too "slow".

But under cross-examination this morning, he told the court that his role as commissioner was just to endorse winning bids after they had gone through a transparent, open and fair procurement process, administered by officers whom he trusted. Responding to this, DPP Tan asked if this meant Lim was admitting to being just a rubber-stamp. Lim replied: "Almost."

DPP Tan will continue his cross-examination in the afternoon.

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