Singapore lawyer Lim Tean handed over to authorities after arrest in Johor Bahru

Singapore lawyer and opposition politician Lim Tean was taken into custody by the Singapore Police Force upon his return from Malaysia, according to The Straits Times. The 61-year-old, founder of the opposition party Peoples Voice and secretary-general of the People’s Alliance for Reform, was arrested by the Royal Malaysian Police in Johor Bahru on August 6.

Lim had failed to surrender at the Singapore State Courts on August 3 to begin serving a three-month-and-one-week jail sentence for practicing law without a valid practising certificate. An arrest warrant had been issued against him on the same day.

Lim's conviction stemmed from three charges under the Legal Profession Act in July 2024. Initially sentenced to six weeks' jail and a S$1,000 fine in February 2025, he appealed and later had his sentence increased to three months and one week by the High Court in February 2026. Lim's legal troubles began in April 2026 when he faced disciplinary action for mishandling a S$30,000 cheque meant for a client.

The Law Society of Singapore had called for his removal from the rolls, citing his cavalier attitude towards lawyers’ obligations and his status as a senior practitioner with over 25 years of experience. Simultaneously, prosecutors sought a harsher sentence, leading to the recent arrest of two Singaporeans allegedly involved in helping Lim evade authorities.