SINGAPORE – Malaysian-born, Singapore-based property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, best known for bringing Formula 1 to Marina Bay in 2008, has once more seen his case postponed. The 79-year-old was scheduled for a confidential pre-trial conference (PTC) on 23 July 2025, but the hearing has been rescheduled to 28 July after a request was filed and granted, although court documents did not disclose who made it.
This latest postponement follows an earlier PTC on 8 July, which was deferred to prepare “revised papers” following agreements from both prosecution and defence to submit additional sentencing materials. The court conducted a closed-door session to settle procedural matters such as timelines and documentation requirements ahead of any potential plea or trial.
Ong is facing two charges filed in October 2024: obstructing justice by aiding former Transport Minister S Iswaran, and abetting him in obtaining gifts. The first charge alleges that Ong helped Iswaran pay a delayed S$5,700 bill for a business-class flight from Doha to Singapore after investigators discovered the minister’s name on the flight manifest. The second charge claims Ong encouraged Iswaran to accept flights and hotel accommodation connected to Ong’s business interests while Iswaran was in office, as cited from CNA on July, 22/2025.
Read More: Prabowo‑Trump Tariff Deal: A Win with Hidden Costs
Ong had previously indicated to the courts that he planned to plead guilty to at least one of the charge. He stepped down as managing director of Hotel Properties Limited on 29 April 2025, citing medical reasons related to ongoing chemotherapy treatment for bone marrow cancer.
Under Sections 204A and 165 of Singapore’s Penal Code, his crimes carry penalties of up to seven years imprisonment for obstructing justice, and two years for abetment. Iswaran, who pleaded guilty to similar offences, received a twelve-month jail sentence in October 2024 and was recently released to home detention.
Given Ong’s serious health condition, his lawyers have sought extensions to file medical and sentencing documents, contributing to the ongoing adjournments. The court has yet to indicate whether any more PTCs will follow prior to an open plea or trial.
The repeated delays reflect both the complexity of sentencing arrangements and the necessity to accommodate Ong’s medical considerations. The 28 July PTC will determine whether proceedings can proceed toward sentencing or take another route, such as a full court plea. Public interest remains keen, given Ong’s significant role in Singapore’s business and motorsport sectors, his high-profile status, and the involvement of a former Cabinet minister.
