Summary judgement against blogger to be heard in September

A summary judgement hearing for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s defamation case against blogger Roy Ngerng will be held on Sep 18.This was announced following a closed-door pre-trial conference at the Supreme Court today (July 17). The Prime Minister’s Office confirms that it will be a full-day hearing before a High Court judge.

Prime Minister Lee filed a court application on July 11 for a summary judgement against Mr Ngerng. This essentially means he is claiming the defendant has no case, and therefore wants judgement in his favour, without a trial.

In the application, Mr Lee’s lawyers sought damages and asked the court to stop Mr Ngerng from publishing or disseminating allegations that Mr Lee is guilty of criminal misappropriation of the monies paid by Singaporeans to the Central Provident Fund.

Before the hearing on Sep 18, the legal team for Mr Ngerng will have to file its affidavit by Aug 1, and Mr Lee’s lawyers will have up to Aug 22 to reply. Both sides have to file and exchange their written submissions by Sep 4. Thereafter, they have until Sep 11 to reply.

Mr Ngerng’s lawyer M Ravi told reporters that a letter of mediation, dated July 11, was sent to both parties by the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC), on behalf of the Supreme Court. Channel NewsAsia understands that as a matter of routine, SMC sends out letters to those involved in court cases with this option.

In response to media queries on the case, the Press Secretary to PM Lee issued the following statement: “Mr Roy Ngerng has admitted that he has falsely defamed PM. As the legal process has commenced, the Courts will decide on the matter.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA