I have leeway to manage funds, says Maris Stella High ex—principal

SINGAPORE: The former principal of Maris Stella High School, who has been charged with misappropriating nearly S$150,000, took the witness stand for the first time today.

Anthony Tan Kim Hock, 65, is accused of committing the offence in the school on 21 separate occasions between 2004 and 2009.

The prosecution is proceeding with one charge — where Tan allegedly misappropriated about S$67,700 from the school’s chapel building fund account between March and September 2009.

During the trial, District Judge Soh Tze Bian questioned Tan as to why he did not report all the accounts to the Board of Management. In response, Tan said he thought the auditor already had the information.

Tan added that he had declared all the accounts in 2009, but not when the Board of Management asked him to so in 2003.

He also told the court that he was given the leeway and responsibility to manage the school management committee funds, which was where the school’s chapel building funds came from.

Tan allegedly used the money from the school’s chapel building fund on rebuilding and renovation works for the Champagnat House in Flower Road.

The Champagnat House is the residence of the Marist brothers — the lay—religious congregation Tan belongs to.

The trial is expected to continue in March.

— CNA/de