Former principal testifies in trial of ex—MP Choo Wee Khiang

SINGAPORE: The former principal of Fuhua Secondary School, Ong Kian Choon, testified in the criminal breach of trust trial involving Choo Wee Khiang for a second day on Wednesday.

Choo is accused of criminal breach of trust in 2005 while he was the Singapore Table Tennis Association’s president.

The former Member of Parliament allegedly conspired with then manager, Koh Li Ping, to secure payment of S$8,400 for coach Luo Jie, who "moonlighted" at Fuhua Secondary School between 2001 and 2003.

Mr Ong told the court that the school’s former physical education and co—curricular activity head had tried to find out if a school fund could be used to pay Mr Luo.

The former head also submitted a report to Mr Ong which stated that payment to Luo would be deferred as he was not yet a Permanent Resident and was not allowed to work part—time.

The defence alleged that the report was such that the school could only pay Mr Luo after he obtained his permanent residency in July 2003.

The defence also charged that Mr Ong intended to pay Mr Luo and struck a deal with STTA for it to provide coaching services.

The trial continues.

— CNA/al