The seven-year-long case drew to a quiet close in a settlement announced midweek - but what are the implications of this settlement? CNA's Lydia Lam explains.
The seven-year-long case drew to a quiet close in a settlement announced midweek - but what are the implications of this settlement? CNA's Lydia Lam explains.New: You can now listen to articles.
Months later, People's Action Party Members of Parliament questioned WP during a parliamentary debate about a possible conflict of interest. This was because AHPETC's managing agent FMSS was owned by WP supporters. Accounting firm KPMG ran an audit and found what it termed"improper payments" worth over S$33.7 million paid to FMSS and its subsidiary FMSI.On behalf of AHTC, the independent panel filed a civil suit against the three WP MPs - Ms Sylvia Lim, Mr Low Thia Khiang and Mr Pritam Singh - to claim the money back.
Mr Singh's statement on Wednesday spoke only for the three WP leaders and the two former town councillors, but CNA checked with the lead lawyer for the remaining defendants - Mr Leslie Netto, who confirmed that his clients Ms How and Mr Loh were also part of the settlement. "This is usually a key reason why parties would want to settle a long-running litigation. There is a sense of finality in it."
He said another way is for parties to"drop hands" and not make claims against each other. This was the term Mr Singh used in his statement on the settlement. "Such a settlement is forward-looking in the sense that both sides literally walk away without looking back and counting pennies over costs that have already been incurred previously," said Mr Chooi.
SKTC had confirmed in a statement to the media that costs payable associated with the trials would be covered by SKTC's operating funds,"with provisions already in place". Mr Baiross said it was possible that any sum paid by the defendants in the settlement could cover part or all of the plaintiffs' costs.
However, Mr Baiross said more detailed financial data from the trial itself is required to estimate trial costs. This is because costs for a trial can vary significantly and can be higher or lower than costs for appeals, depending on the complexity and duration of each phase.
Lawsuit AHTC Sengkang Town Council Pritam Singh Sylvia Lim Low Thia Khiang
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
CNA explains: Threat of a global arm race over hypersonic missilesSouth Korea said Pyongyang's latest launch of a ballistic missile had likely exploded in midair. The missile flew towards the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, minutes after it was detected, it appeared to have splashed down into the sea.
Read more »
CNA Explains: Why is Singapore trying to cut down its pigeon population?What risks do these birds pose, and just how effective is culling?
Read more »
CNA Explains: Mongolia heads to the polls amid public discontent over corruption, economyVoting is underway in Mongolia, as locals head to the polls to pick their next government. It's the first election following constitutional changes aimed at increasing representation in the government.
Read more »
CNA Explains: The story of Nvidia's rise to become the world's No 1 companyFrom its humble beginnings in an American diner, to CEO Jensen Huang attaining rock star status, CNA takes a look at the journey - and the growing hype - behind Nvidia.
Read more »
CNA Explains: Why must travellers declare S$20,000 cash when entering or leaving Singapore?Such declarations are also mandatory in other countries.
Read more »
CNA Explains: Why is China engaging Myanmar's former and current leaders?Myanmar correspondent Leong Wai Kit unpacks recent trips to China by Thein Sein and Soe Win, and what both countries want from each other.
Read more »