As the race for the presidency heats up, the political landscape is abuzz with discussions surrounding the clash of opinions between former NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian and fellow presidential hopeful George Goh.

During the launch of his presidential campaign, Tan Kin Lian hinted at an intriguing proposition. He suggested that if both he and George Goh ended up qualifying for the election, one of them should voluntarily step down to avoid splitting the votes.

The idea behind this proposal was to consolidate the support for a “non-establishment” candidate, enhancing their collective chances against more traditional opponents.

However, George Goh made it clear that he disagreed with the notion of one candidate urging another to withdraw from the race. In his view, the presidential election is a significant event that demands a serious approach, and it is not the place for advising others to step aside.

During a recent walkabout on August 16th, George Goh reiterated his stance. He advised Tan Kin Lian to concentrate on his own campaign and take steps to ensure that he does not lose his deposit, according to a report by Channel NewsAsia.

Goh emphasized that every candidate should prioritize their own efforts rather than attempting to influence their rivals’ decisions.

Here is what George Goh said

Here is a summary of my media interview I just gave at Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre today:

I would like to make one final comment about Mr Tan Kin Lian and what he has been saying. Running for the Presidential Election is a serious matter. Each candidate should focus on their campaign, get ready, and let the voters decide. It is true that the rules make it more difficult for an independent candidate to prepare for his campaign without knowing if he will be eligible but I have all my campaign materials ready. As an entrepreneur, I move forward confidently and don’t complain.

I read with interest what Mr George Yeo said in his interview about his book. He said he was asked by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to run for the 2011 Presidential Elections. This is similar to what I read about Mr S.R Nathan where he said that it was Mr Lee Kuan Yew who suggested for him to run. It seems this is how the establishment works.

This is why Independence is important. I am not told by anyone to run, and I do not change my mind if someone else tells me not to. I made up my mind since 2017, and continue to put myself forward without the endorsement and support of a huge machinery. To me, this is the mark of a truly independent candidate.

A 21-year-old man who had been on the run from the police following a slashing case that took place on 13 August at Read Crescent Road, has since been arrested 3 days later on 16 August.

He was arrested on 16 August at about 3.20 pm, along Anchorvale Link after his whereabouts were established by police officers from the Central Police Division.

The other two suspects who were allegedly involved in the slashing case were earlier arrested on 13 August, on the same day as the incident.

The trio were rounded up following a fight that allegedly broke out at Read Crescent on 13 August at about 6.15am, where a victim was slashed deeply on his head.

The victim didn’t know the trio, who purportedly fled the scene after the attack.

The two men who were arrested on the same day as the incident were earlier charged in court on 15 AUgust with affray; while the third man who was arrested on 16 August will be charged in court today with voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon.

S’pore police’s earlier statement

The Police have arrested two men aged 19 and 20 for their suspected involvement in a case of affray.

On 13 August 2023 at about 6.15am, the Police were alerted to a case of fight where a victim was purportedly slashed on his head along Read Crescent Park. The victim sustained a deep laceration on his forehead and was conscious when conveyed to the hospital.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had an altercation with three unknown male persons. During their dispute, a fight ensued between them where one of the assailants allegedly used a knife to attack the victim. After the fight, the three assailants fled. A knife believed to be used to attack the victim was recovered and seized as case exhibit.

Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Central Police Division established the identities of the two men and arrested them on the same day after the incident was reported.

The two men will be charged in court on 15 August 2023 with an offence of affray under Section 267B of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to one year, or fine of up to $5,000, or both.

The Police are looking for another man shown in the image below to assist with investigations. Anyone with information is requested to call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information received will be kept strictly confidential.

The Police have zero tolerance towards acts of violence and blatant disregard of the law. We would spare no effort to apprehend such offenders and deal with them in accordance with the law.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
14 August 2023 @ 11:55 PM

𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗, 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗭𝗘𝗡 𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗨𝗘𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗛𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗟 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦

The Police have arrested ten persons, aged between 31 and 44, for their suspected involvement in offences of forgery and/or, money laundering, and resistance to lawful apprehension. Twelve other persons are assisting with investigations and eight other persons are currently wanted by the Police. These persons are believed to have connections amongst themselves. All the persons involved are neither Singapore Citizens nor Permanent Residents.

The Police received information of possible illicit activities including the use of suspected forged documents that were used to substantiate the source of funds in Singapore bank accounts. Through extensive investigations and follow-up from intelligence – including the analysis of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) – the Police identified a group of foreign nationals suspected to be involved in laundering the proceeds of crime from their overseas organised crime activities including scams and online gambling.

On 15 August 2023, more than 400 officers from the Commercial Affairs Department, the Criminal Investigation Department, Special Operations Command and the Police Intelligence Department conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations island-wide, including residences such as Good Class Bungalows (GCB) and condominiums, leading to the arrest of the ten persons.

Prohibition of disposal orders were issued against 94 properties and 50 vehicles, with a total estimated value of more than S$815 million, as well as multiple ornaments and bottles of liquor and wine. The Police also seized more than 35 related bank accounts with a total estimated balance of more than S$110 million for investigations and to prevent dissipation of suspected criminal proceeds. Cash, including foreign currencies, amounting to more than S$23 million, more than 250 luxury bags and watches, more than 120 electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones, more than 270 pieces of jewelleries, two gold bars, and 11 documents with information on virtual assets.

All ten persons will be charged in court on 16 August 2023. The case facts are as follows:

a) A 40-year-old male Cypriot national was arrested at his residence at a GCB along Ewart Park. He was also found in possession of other foreign passports believed to be issued by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Cambodia. During the arrest, when the Police identified themselves to the man outside his bedroom and ordered him to open the door, the man allegedly jumped out of the second-floor balcony of the GCB and was found by the Police to be hiding in a drain. He was conveyed conscious to the hospital as he sustained injuries arising from the jump. The Police seized cash of more than S$2.1 million and other foreign currencies, and issued prohibition of disposal orders for 13 properties and five vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$118 million, as well as multiple ornaments and bottles of liquor and wine. The Police also froze four related bank accounts with a total balance of more than S$6.7 million. The man will be charged with one count of resistance to lawful apprehension under Section 225B of the Penal Code. One other person is assisting with investigations.

b) A 42-year-old male Turkish national was arrested at his residence at a GCB along Bishopsgate. He was also found in possession of a foreign passport believed to be issued by PRC and Vanuatu. The Police seized close to S$720,000 in cash and other foreign currencies, one electronic device, 36 luxury watches and bags, and issued prohibition of disposal orders for four properties and three vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$29 million, as well as multiple bottles of liquor and wine. The Police also froze two related bank accounts with a total balance of more than S$1.18 million and other foreign currencies. The man will be charged with one count of using a forged document under Section 471 punishable under Section 465 of the Penal Code. One other person is assisting with investigations.

c) A 44-year-old male PRC national and a 43-year-old female PRC national were arrested at their residence at a bungalow along Pearl Island at Sentosa Cove. The man was also found in possession of a foreign passport believed to be issued by St Kitts and Nevis and the woman was found with other foreign passports believed to be issued by the Dominican Republic and Turkey. The Police seized cash of more than S$7.6 million and other foreign currencies, and issued prohibition of disposal orders for nine properties and five vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$106 million. The Police also froze a related bank account with a total balance of more than S$22 million and other foreign currencies. The man and woman will each be charged with one count of forgery for the purpose of cheating under Section 468 of the Penal Code.

d) A 41-year-old male Cambodian national was arrested at his residence at a GCB along Nassim Road. He was also found in possession of a foreign passport believed to be issued by PRC. The Police seized cash of more than S$777,000 and other foreign currencies, 11 electronic devices, 33 luxury bags and watches, 75 pieces of jewelleries, and issued prohibition of disposal orders for seven properties and six vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$76 million. The Police also froze three related bank accounts with a total balance of more than S$2.4 million. The man will be charged with one count of using a forged document under Section 471 punishable under Section 465 of the Penal Code. One other person is assisting with investigations.

e) A 35-year-old male Ni-Vanuatu national was arrested at his residence at a GCB along Third Avenue. He was also found in possession of a foreign passport believed to be issued by PRC. The Police seized more than S$1.4 million in cash and other foreign currencies, 95 pieces of jewelleries, 69 luxury bags and watches, 22 electronic devices, two gold bars, and issued prohibition of disposal orders for 13 properties and four vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$120 million. The Police also froze six related bank accounts with a total balance of more than S$20 million and other foreign currencies. The man will be charged with one count of money laundering under Section 54(1)(c) punishable under Section 54(5)(a) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (CDSA). One other person is assisting with investigations.

f) A 33-year-old male Cambodian national was arrested at his residence at a condominium along Leonie Hill Road. He was also found in possession of other foreign passports believed to be issued by PRC and the Dominican Republic. The Police seized cash of close to S$600,000 and other foreign currencies, 23 pieces of jewelleries, six luxury watches, 11 documents with information on virtual assets, and 12 electronic devices, and issued prohibition of disposal orders for one property and three vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$12.6 million. The Police also froze two related bank accounts with a total balance of more than S$28,000 and other foreign currencies. The man will be charged with one count of money laundering under Section 54(1)(c) punishable under Section 54(5)(a) of the CDSA. One other person is assisting with investigations.

g) A 34-year-old male Cypriot national was arrested at his residence at a condominium along Paterson Hill. He was also found in possession of other foreign passports believed to be issued by PRC and Cambodia. The Police seized cash of more than S$2.2 million, 11 electronic devices, 35 luxury watches and bags, 51 pieces of jewelleries, and issued prohibition of disposal orders for one property and two vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$23 million. The Police also froze five related bank accounts with a total balance of more than S$1.7 million and other foreign currencies. The man will be charged with one count of money laundering under Section 54(1)(c) punishable under Section 54(5)(a) of the CDSA. One other person is assisting with investigations.

h) A 31-year-old male PRC national was arrested at his residence at a condominium along Tomlinson Road. He was also found in possession of a foreign passport believed to be issued by Vanuatu. The Police seized cash of close to S$112,000 and other foreign currencies and three electronic devices, and issued probation of disposal order for one vehicle with an estimated value of more than $300,000. The man will be charged with money laundering under Section 54(1)(c) punishable under Section 54(5)(a) of the CDSA. One other person is assisting with investigations.

i) A 31-year-old male Cambodian national was arrested at his residence at a GCB along Lewis Road. He was also found in possession of a foreign passport believed to be issued by PRC. The Police seized cash of more than S$600,000 and other foreign currencies, 11 electronic devices, 16 luxury bags and watches, 11 pieces of jewelleries, and issued prohibition of disposal orders for two vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$580,000, as well as multiple bottles of liquor and wine. The Police also froze eight related bank accounts with a total balance of more than S$10 million and other foreign currencies. The man will be charged with one count of money laundering under Section 54(1)(c) punishable under Section 54(5)(a) of the CDSA. One other person is assisting with investigations.

j) Four other persons are assisting with Police investigations. The Police seized cash of more than S$6.7 million and other foreign currencies, 60 luxury bags and watches, more than 20 pieces of jewelleries, more than 50 electronic devices and issued prohibition of disposal orders for 29 properties and 15 vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$227 million. The Police also froze one bank account with a total balance of more than S$2.8 million.

k) Eight other persons are currently wanted by the Police.

Police investigations are ongoing. More assets may be seized, bank accounts frozen, or prohibition of disposal orders issued, in the course of investigation.

If convicted, the offence of money laundering for individuals under Section 54 of the CDSA 1992 is punishable with imprisonment for up to 10 years, or a fine of up to $500,000, or both. The offence of forgery for the purpose of cheating under Section 468 of the Penal Code 1871 is punishable with imprisonment of up to 10 years and the offender shall also be liable to a fine.

The offence of using a forged document under Section 471 punishable under Section 465 of the Penal Code is punishable with imprisonment of up to four years, or fine, or both. The offence of resistance to lawful apprehension under Section 225B of the Penal Code is punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, or fine, or both.