Lim Tean arrested in Johor Bahru after failing to surrender at S’pore State Courts

Lawyer and opposition politician Lim Tean was captured in Johor Bahru on August 6 by the Royal Malaysia Police after a warrant for his arrest was issued for his non-appearance in court in Singapore. He was to commence his jail term for practicing law without a valid certificate on August 3. The warrant for his arrest was issued on the same day.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) spokesperson declared on August 7 that they were collaborating with the Royal Malaysia Police to ensure Lim's return to Singapore as he had an outstanding court warrant. In July 2024, Lim was found guilty of three charges under the Legal Profession Act and sentenced to six weeks in jail and a fine of $1,000 in February 2025.

Lim, who serves as the secretary-general of the People’s Alliance for Reform, had shown up to court hearings and submitted documents 32 times between April and June 2021 while lacking a valid practising certificate. He subsequently appealed the conviction and sentence in the High Court, which was later upheld by the prosecution in February 2026.

The High Court judge increased Lim’s sentence to three months and a week in prison. In April 2026, Lim was back in court and fined $30,000 in a disciplinary case regarding the handling of a $30,000 cheque meant for a client. The Law Society of Singapore had demanded that Lim be removed from the rolls, while he argued before the Court of Three Judges that a small fine should suffice.

The court, considering various factors, imposed a more severe fine, highlighting his negligent attitude towards lawyers' responsibilities in handling clients' money and his status as a senior practitioner with over 25 years of experience. Lim is the founder of opposition party Peoples Voice (PV) and co-founder of the People’s Alliance for Reform, which includes PV.