Former STTA chief's corruption case adjourned

[ArjanParangToh]

Former MP for Marine Parade and Jalan Besar GRC and ex-chief of Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) Choo Wee Khiang has had his court case adjourned to Jan 19.

A Straits Times report said on Thursday that his lawyer told the court she needed eight to 12 weeks to take further instructions and make representations, if needed.

He faces three charges of corruption and one of criminal breach of trust of association funds.

The 57-year-old allegedly accepted $1,500 from then national team player Liu Zhongze in 2005 though then assistant coach Luo Jie, in return for more opportunities to represent the STTA in table tennis tournaments.

He is also said to have accepted a total of US$600 (S$777) on two other occasions from another former STTA coach, Mr Shi Mei Sheng, as reward for approving the use of two training facilities in China between 2003 and 2004.

 

[Vermin]

Updated: 04/30/2014 13:19 | By Channel NewsAsia

Ex-STTA president cleared of corruption charges

SINGAPORE: Former member of parliament Choo Wee Khiang was on Wednesday granted a discharge amounting to an acquittal on three corruption charges allegedly committed during his tenure as the president of the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA).

The three charges related to allegations that he accepted cash gratification of S$1,500 and US$600 (S$750) in 2005.

This comes after Mr Choo was acquitted last July of committing criminal breach of trust when he was STTA president.

The 59-year-old was on trial last year with then-manager, Koh Li Ping, for misappropriating S$8,400 for coach Luo Jie, who "moonlighted" at Fuhua Secondary School between 2001 and 2003.

At the time of the trial, the three corruption charges were stood down as they did not relate to the joint hearing of Choo and Koh.

The Attorney-General's Chambers said the prosecution had considered the circumstances relating to the three remaining charges, including the availability of foreign witnesses.

The prosecution then decided to issue a stern warning with regard to the corruption charges, and Mr Choo accepted it.

"After careful consideration, the prosecution decided that a stern warning in lieu of prosecution would be appropriate with regard to these three charges, and Mr Choo accepted the stern warning," said the AGC in a statement. - CNA/nd