Lim Tean’s bailor Leong Sze Hian to forfeit $45,000 bail

The prosecutor said that text messages showed Leong Sze Hian (left) failed to keep in contact with Lim Tean daily between July 1 and Aug 3.

Listen SINGAPORE – Leong Sze Hian, who had posted bail for lawyer Lim Tean, will forfeit the entire bail amount of $45,000, a district court ordered on Sept 17.

Lim, 61, had failed to surrender at the State Courts on Aug 3 to begin his jail term for practising law without a valid certificate, and an arrest warrant was issued against him on the same day.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Bryan Wong said Leong, 72, fell far short of the standards expected of a bailor, whose responsibilities included monitoring Lim’s movements, reminding Lim of his obligations, and taking proactive steps to secure Lim’s attendance in court.

Lim was arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police on Aug 6 and deported to Singapore on Aug 11.