Hundreds of Singaporeans have pledged to donate their incoming SG Bonus to the three Workers’ Party (WP) town councillors – Low Thia Khiang, Sylvia Lim, and Pritam Singh – to help the three parliamentarians with legal costs as the multi-million dollar Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) lawsuit progresses.
Yesterday, the trio revealed in their blog that they have “depleted our personal resources,” having already paid $600,000 from their own pockets to their legal team as the trial progresses:
“Since the suits commenced, the three of us have funded the legal expenses, using our personal savings and contributions from friends. We have not used any funds from the Workers’ Party. The total we have paid to our own lawyers to date is close to $600,000, covering the work done before the trial. The costs incurred so far have depleted our personal resources.”
The party’s former secretary-general Low, current secretary-general Singh and chairman Lim added:
“The claims against us are unfounded. We have acted in good faith, and did what we believed to be in the best interests of our residents and the Town Council.
“We will fight the claims vigorously. If we lose the suits and are adjudged to pay large sums of money, and are unable to pay, we would face bankruptcy… We now appeal to the public for financial support.”
Many generous Singaporeans have already donated to the cause while many others have indicated that they are planning to donate the SG Bonus that they will receive from the Government to the three town councillors.
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced during his Budget 2018 speech this year that the Government will be giving a one-off SG Bonus to all adult Singaporeans by the end of this year.
A total of $700 Million of SG Bonus will be disbursed to 2.8 Million Singaporeans. Eligible citizens will receive up to $300, depending on their Assessable Income for the 2017 Year of Assessment.
The Ministry of Finance said that the disbursement “reflects the Government’s long-standing commitment to share the fruits of the country’s development with Singaporeans.”
Some Singaporeans have said that even though they would have use for the SG Bonus, they are planning on donating the sum they receive to aid the WP parliamentarians:
Those who wish to contribute to the WP MPs to aid with legal costs, may do so using the following channels:
PayNow to +65 9852 5901 (Sylvia Lim’s public line)
Internet fund transfer to UOB account no. 396 309 388 6
Cheque made payable to any one of the three WP MPs: Lim Swee Lian Sylvia, Low Thia Khiang, or Pritam Singh
Alternatively, contributors may reach them through post at “My Mail Box 882560 Singapore 919191,” or arrange to meet them in person by contacting them at ingoodfaithsg@gmail.com.
The WP MPs ask: “If it is convenient, please include your email address so that we can thank you.”
https://theindependent.sg.sg/workers-party-appealing-to-public-for-funds-to-fight-multi-million-dollar-ahtc-lawsuit/