Convicted corrupted leaders of megachurch City Harvest won their appeal today (April 7) with leading pastor fraudster Kong Hee getting only a 3½ jail sentence instead of the original sentence of 8. Kong Hee’s lawyer is PAP MP Edwin Tong.
Pastor Tan Ye Peng, 44, received three years and two months, down from 5½. Former Finance Manager Serina Wee, 40, had her sentencing halved at 2½ years instead of 5. Former finance committee member John Lam received 1½ instead of 3. Former fund manager Chew Eng Han, 56, received three years and four months, down from 6. Former CHC Finance Manager Sharon Tan received 6 months instead of 21 months.
The Singapore High Court even gave Kong Hee the liberty to enjoy Easter holidays by giving them a 2 weeks deferment.
The 6 were found of misappropriating S$50.6 million of church funds in 2015 to fund Kong Hee’s wife, Sun Ho’s failed singing career.
It is unknown whether the public prosecutors will proceed with another appeal. In a media interview, PAP MP Edwin Tong said that Kong Hee is disappointed that he did not walk out a free man. The Singapore Court is currently being slammed by the public for passing a corrupted judgement and protecting the rich.