World

Hotel tycoon avoids jail in Singapore, fined for obstructing justice

Singapore court fines billionaire Ong Beng Seng S\$30,000 instead of jail time amid health concerns, in a case linked to former Transport Minister S Iswaran’s corruption conviction

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 15 Aug 2025 5:30PM

Hotel tycoon avoids jail in Singapore, fined for obstructing justice
Given Ong’s medical condition, leniency is warranted as a custodial sentence would pose a high risk to his health, Judge says - August 15, 2025

MALAYSIAN hotel magnate Ong Beng Seng, 79, who played a pivotal role in bringing the Formula One Grand Prix to Singapore, has been spared a prison sentence but fined S$30,000 (approximately RM98,668) on Friday for obstructing justice.

AFP reported today that Ong, a Singapore-based tycoon diagnosed with an untreatable cancer, pleaded guilty nearly two weeks ago to charges of conspiring with former Transport Minister S Iswaran to conceal evidence during an investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

District Judge Lee Lit Cheng said, “Given Ong’s medical condition, leniency is warranted as a custodial sentence would pose a high risk to his health.”

Ong, who owns Hotel Properties Limited headquartered in Singapore and holds the rights to the F1 race in the city-state, along with Iswaran, was instrumental in securing the prestigious event for Singapore in 2008. - August 15, 2025

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