26-3-2025 – Hotel magnate Ong Beng Seng’s anticipated guilty plea has been postponed whilst his legal team seeks comprehensive medical documentation.
The 79-year-old business titan, who revolutionised Formula One by introducing night racing to Singapore in 2008, stands accused of facilitating the obstruction of justice in a case that has sent shockwaves through the city-state’s political establishment.
The billionaire’s involvement centres on his relationship with former transport minister S. Iswaran, who was recently sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. Court documents reveal that Ong had arranged luxurious travel arrangements for Iswaran, including a private aircraft journey valued at US$7,700 from Singapore to Doha, premium accommodation at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha worth $4,737.63, and a business-class return flight estimated at $5,700.
The saga took a dramatic turn when Ong allegedly informed Iswaran about the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau’s seizure of flight records, prompting the then-minister to request retrospective billing to circumvent scrutiny.
Hotel Properties Limited, where Ong serves as managing director, has previously confirmed his intention to admit guilt to the obstruction charge. A separate charge relating to public servant gift regulations will be considered during sentencing.
The case has particular resonance given the pair’s instrumental role in establishing Singapore’s prestigious Formula One night race. Their collaborative efforts in the mid-2000s successfully convinced former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone to grant Singapore this pioneering event.
Legal representatives, including Aaron Lee from Allen and Gledhill, have requested additional time to compile detailed medical reports concerning Ong’s health status and ongoing treatment requirements. This documentation is deemed crucial for both prosecutorial consideration and judicial review.
Should Ong be found guilty of abetting the obstruction of justice, he faces potential imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, or both. The Attorney-General’s Chambers has confirmed that no further charges will be pursued against him in connection with the former minister’s case.
