Hotel tycoon avoids jail in Singapore, fined for obstructing justice

LocalPolitics
15 Aug 2025 • 5:30 PM MYT
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Hotel tycoon avoids jail in Singapore, fined for obstructing justice

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