Former RWS director charged with corruption

 A former director of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) was charged on Wednesday (Sep 23) with corruption.

Soh Yew Meng, 36, was charged with seven counts of corruptly obtaining, or corruptly attempting to obtain gratification, at least S$317,000 from six contractors and an individual. 

The court heard that S$170,000 has been recovered from him. 

Soh allegedly received the bribes in exchange for “furthering the business interests” of contractors in projects such as the Feng Shui Inn Chinese restaurant and Asian Cafe, both located in RWS. 

A furniture and construction business, security systems company and lighting studio are among the contractors accused of allegedly bribing Soh.

Most of the bribes received by Soh were through freelance quality surveyor Tan Siow Hui, who was also charged on Wednesday. Tan, 32, faces six counts of abetment by engaging in a conspiracy with Soh to corruptly obtain, or corruptly attempting to obtain gratification, from contractors.

For each charge, Soh and Tan face up to five years’ jail, a fine of up to S$100,000, or both.

In court on Wednesday, both told the judge they intend to claim trial. Bail was set at S$150,000 for Soh and S$300,000 for Tan.

The defence lawyer said the two were not flight risks, citing their family circumstances - Soh is married with two children and looks after his elderly parents, while Tan is a divorcee who cares for three children - as indication that they are "unlikely to abscond". 

Both their passports are in the custody of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau.