SINGAPORE : Non-Constituency MP Steve Chia says the deputy
public prosecutor has agreed to reduce his traffic offence from
"dangerous driving" to "driving without due care."
This is on condition he pleads guilty to the reduced charge, which
carries a maximum fine of S$1,000.
This means even if he were convicted, he would still be eligible to
run for the coming General Election.
Chia arrived at the Subordinate Courts on Thursday for a pre-trial
conference on his traffic offence.
He was alleged to have run a red traffic light last July at the
junction of Bishan and Braddell Roads, resulting in a collision
with an SBS bus.
The charge carries a fine of up to S$3,000 and maximum one year's
jail.
Under the Constitution, anyone who is fined S$2,000 or jailed for a
year is not allowed to stand for election for five years.
But Chia is upbeat that his case will not spoil his chances to
stand in the coming General Election.
An hour later, the 35-year-old emerged from the courts looking
upbeat.
Said Chia, "We've written to them either to drop the case or to
reduce it, so we're happy that they are reducing it. We're awaiting
for the statement of facts to see what is in that, to see whether
to plead or how to plead guilty."
The case will be mentioned again on May 30.
If Chia pleads guilty to the reduced charge, he could be fined up
to S$1,000, and still be eligible for elections.
Chia said he is not worried about the case; he is confident it will
be resolved before the General Election is called. - CNA /ct