Lim Tean, 61, handed 3 new charges for allegedly absconding from S'pore while on bail

In a recent court appearance on October 9, retired lawyer and opposition politician Lim Tean, aged 61, was formally charged with three new offenses. These allegations stem from Lim's alleged failure to surrender to authorities in Singapore while on bail in August 2026.

According to the prosecution, Lim was initially supposed to appear in court to commence a jail sentence for practicing law without a valid certificate. However, he missed his scheduled appearance on August 3. Subsequently, he was apprehended at an apartment complex in Johor Bahru on August 6 and returned to Singapore via deportation on August 11.

An appeal by the prosecution led to an increased sentence on February 23, 2026, totaling three months and one week imprisonment. In April, Lim was declared bankrupt. On July 20, 2026, he was due to appear at the State Courts to commence his sentence, but he successfully petitioned for a postponement.

The new charges were added to this case, following Lim's alleged absconding from Singapore while on bail. During the proceedings, Lim surrendered his passport to the police as part of his bail conditions. Upon his arrest in Johor Bahru, he did not possess his passport. His bailor was subsequently required to forfeit S$45,000. Lim participated in court proceedings via video link on October 9. A pre-trial conference for this case is scheduled for October 23.