Prosecution applies for order to protect identity of woman in Ng Boon Gay's trial

An application to issue a gag order to protect the identity of the woman at the centre of ex-Central Narcotics Bureau chief, Ng Boon Gay's trial has been rejected. 

Lead prosecutor Tan Ken Hwee asked for a court order to protect the identity of Ms Cecilia Sue Siew Nang, 36. 

Ng, 46, allegedly had oral sex with Ms Sue on four occasions and in return, he is accused of favouring the two firms she had worked for - Hitachi Data Systems and Oracle Singapore Corporation. 

In applying for the gag order, Mr Tan said Ms Sue is clinically depressed and not coping well with the situation. 

A report by an Institute of Mental Health psychiatrist quoted by the prosecution said Ms Sue has "self-harm" tendencies. 

Prosecution added that further media coverage will be detrimental to her and her family's wellbeing. 

But prosecution said her depression will not affect her ability to be cross-examined by the defence. 

Defence counsel Tan Chee Meng objected to it, saying this is the first time he has heard of a central witness being given anonymity. 

Mr Tan said confidentiality has irretrievably been lost as Ms Sue's name and pictures have been published. 

He said if Ms Sue's identity is protected, then if Ng is accquitted, the public wouldn't know he was cleared of charges relating to her.