SINGAPORE: The trial of a former SAF scholar, Eng Heng Chiaw,
who is accused of bribing a top official for information on a major
defence deal, is being conducted behind closed doors at the
Subordinate Courts.
This is because the trial which starts on Monday is expected to
touch on the Official Secrets Act.
Eng is accused of offering half a million dollars to a senior
Defence Science and Technology Agency official, Sin Boon Wah, last
September.
It is believed Eng, a software company director, offered the bribe
to his ex-colleague so that one of the bidders, European Aeronautic
Defence and Space, could price its offer to secure the
contract.
The deal involved a Naval Helicopter project said to be worth over
100 million dollars.
Key personnel from the Defence Ministry are expected to testify at
the hearing.
This includes the Head of the Military Security Department
Brigadier General Jek Kian Yee and the former Chief of Navy Richard
Lim.
If found guilty Eng could be jailed for up to 5 years and fined up
to $100,000 dollars. - CNA
