Malaysian billionaire Ong Beng Seng’s status as a Singapore permanent resident will be reviewed by the authorities following his conviction and sentencing for abetting obstruction of justice in a case linked to a former minister, according to local media reports.
An immigration spokesperson told the Straits Times on Friday that the department would review the status of Singapore permanent residents who have been convicted of an offence, Bernama reported.
Ong, 79, was fined the maximum amount of S$30,000 on Friday after he pleaded guilty to the charge on Aug 4. A second charge, of instigating former transport minister S Iswaran to obtain flights and a hotel stay from him, was taken into consideration for sentencing.
Principal district judge Lee Lit Cheng agreed with both the prosecution and defence that judicial mercy should be exercised in this case due to Ong’s ill health.
He suffers from an incurable form of cancer that has damaged his skeletal system and severely compromised his immune system. He also suffers from other complications that further increase his risk of infection and place him at risk of gangrene.
Ong is the founder of Singapore-based Hotel Properties Limited which is a shareholder of various businesses, including Hard Rock resorts and Four Seasons resorts across Europe and Asia.
