Ong Beng Seng delays guilty plea, pending medical reports

Ong Beng Seng, a 79-year-old property tycoon, has postponed his plea hearing originally scheduled for April 2, 2025, due to a request from his legal team for more time to collect detailed medical reports regarding his health. Ong faces charges related to former transport minister S. Iswaran, who was convicted for receiving gifts and obstruction of justice linked to an all-expenses-paid trip valued at approximately S$20,850 (US$15,500) that Ong allegedly facilitated. The request for additional time was made during a pre-trial conference on March 26, 2025, with prosecutors not objecting to the delay. Ong's spokesperson emphasized the importance of presenting all relevant medical information to ensure fair consideration by the court. He has been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, further complicating the proceedings. The case is part of a broader investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) into corruption within Singapore's government.