'Return Our CPF' protester let off with warning

POSTED: 23 Oct 2015 10:30 UPDATED: 23 Oct 2015 11:29 
By Justin Ong

SINGAPORE: Goh Aik Huat, part of a group charged with public nuisance for their "Return Our CPF" protests in September 2014, was let off with a conditional warning on Friday (Oct 23).

The 42-year-old made a public apology in court on Friday. Judge Luke Tan granted him a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.

"I wish to apologise to the court. I'm sorry and I undertake not to repeat this again," said Goh, speaking in Chinese. "I hope your honour can grant me one last chance."

Goh had begun the trial without representation, but was later defended by lawyer Suang Wijaya.

In a media statement, the Attorney-General’s Chambers said that the prosecution had decided to discontinue the prosecution against Goh, and directed the Police to administer a 24-month conditional warning to him instead.

This was based on "Goh’s culpability relative to that of the other co-accused persons, his willingness to apologise unreservedly to those affected by his conduct on Sep 27, 2014 and undertake not to engage in such conduct in future, as well as his conduct during the trial", according to the AGC statement.

This was administered by the Police on Oct 21. Should Goh commit any fresh offence within the 24-month period, he may be prosecuted for both the fresh offence and the nuisance offence, said the AGC.

Along with Han Hui Hui, 24, Koh Yew Beng, 60 and Low Wai Choo, 50, Goh was accused of disrupting a YMCA community event held at Hong Lim Park in September last year.

The four, together with Roy Ngerng, 34, and Chua Siew Leng, 43 - both of whom have since pleaded guilty - were at their "Return Our CPF" protest rally which took place at the same time and location.

Ngerng was fined S$1,900 and Chua fined S$300. A total of eight people have been issued the 24-month conditional warning arising from the Sep 27, 2014 incident, according to the AGC.

For Han, Koh and Low, the trial will continue on Feb 24 to 26, 2016. The three have not had legal representation in court since the commencement of the trial.


Sources:
Channel News Asia - 'Return Our CPF' protester let off with warning
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/return-our-cpf-protester/2212210.html?cid=FBSG

Image: Singapore Matters
https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeMatters/photos/a.710662802353449.1073741828.710654255687637/887385938014467/?type=3&theater