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SINGAPORE: The trial involving former Ren Ci Hospital CEO Ming Yi and his former personal assistant, Raymond Yeung, has entered its tenth day.
On Thursday, the Buddhist monk defended his decision to lend S$50,000 to Yeung under Ren Ci's accounts, saying that it was “lawful” and appropriate.
Raymond Yeung was - according to his former boss - a hard worker who was treated as a Ren Ci Hospital staff, even though the Australian citizen did not have an employment pass.
Taking the stand for the third day, the former Ren Ci chief said the young man's track record was one reason why he agreed to lend Yeung S$50,000 under the charity's name.
Ming Yi added that it was the first time Yeung had made such a request. Besides, similar loans were previously made to other staff.
The monk also told the court that Ren Ci's board of directors had empowered him with the right to extend loans to employees, and that is why Ming Yi felt his decision was neither unlawful nor inappropriate.
Ming Yi testified that in May 2004, Yeung had asked for S$50,000 to pay for a house in Hong Kong. Yeung had assured Ming Yi that he would repay the sum once his housing loan was approved.
The monk said the two men did not discuss repayment terms, as he thought that Yeung would be able to secure the loan soon.
Ming Yi said he had, on several occasions, asked his former assistant about the money, but eventually stopped as he was too busy. He added that if he had known Yeung had not repaid the loan, he would have lent Yeung the money to do so.
The trial, which was due to end on Friday, has adjourned to July 16 as more time is needed.
- CNA/yt
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