Lawyers of former SMRT drivers ask for more time
by Ashley Chia
04:46 AM Dec 13, 2012
SINGAPORE - The lawyers acting for the four former SMRT bus drivers charged with instigating an illegal two-day strike last month have asked for more time to take instructions from their clients.
The four men were released on bail on Dec 6, leaving insufficient time for the lawyers "to take full instructions", the lawyers said.
Gao Yue Qiang, 32, one of the accused, was represented by Mr Choo Zheng Xi from Peter Low LLC.
However, Ms Tan Wen Hsien has taken over his case from Rajah and Tann. Ms Tan only met Gao on Monday.
The other three - He Jun Ling, 32, who faces two charges, Liu Xiangying, 33, and Wang Xianjie, 39, who each face one charge, are represented by Mr Peter Low, Mr Mark Goh of Mark Goh & Co and Mr Derek Kang of Rodyk & Davidson LLP respectively.
All the lawyers are acting for the drivers on a pro bono basis.
TODAY understands that two of the lawyers were approached by workers' rights group Transient Workers Count Too for legal assistance.
The lawyers are exploring three options for their clients: claim trial, plead guilty, or make representations to the Deputy Public Prosecutor to reduce the charges.
Mr Goh stressed that although a pre-trial conference has been set for Dec 19, it is not an indication that the men will be claiming trial. ASHLEY CHIA