Lum Kok Seng, construction firm boss named in Iswaran's latest charges, interviewed by CPIB several times

SINGAPORE: Lum Kok Seng - the man named in the latest charges received by former Transport Minister S Iswaran - has attended several interviews with the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in relation to its investigations into the ex-politician. 

In a bourse filing late on Monday (Mar 25) night, Lum Chang Holdings, where Mr Lum is managing director, responded to queries from the Singapore Exchange (SGX).

SGX had asked the company on Monday evening if Mr Lum had been contacted by the bureau to assist with its investigations, and whether there had been any charges against him or restrictions imposed. 

Iswaran's fresh charges allege that he obtained valuable things from Mr Lum while he was a public servant. The items, said to be worth S$18,956.94 (US$14,080) in total, include bottles of alcohol, golf clubs and a Brompton bicycle.

Iswaran is said to have obtained these for no consideration from Mr Lum, whom he knew to have been related to a contract for addition and alteration works on the Tanah Merah MRT station.

Lum Chang said Mr Lum had informed the board that he attended "several interviews" with CPIB in relation to its probe into Iswaran. 

"No charges have been filed against Mr Lum nor has any restriction been imposed on Mr Lum by the CPIB," it added. 

"The board and the nominating committee have assessed the above and have determined that Mr Lum continues to be suitable to carry out his duties and responsibilities as managing director of the company, unless there are subsequent developments which require the board and the nominating committee to make a re-assessment."

The Attorney-General's Chambers told CNA on Monday that it would "take a decision in respect of the investigations against Mr Lum" after the completion of Iswaran's case, similar to what it said about the billionaire Ong Beng Seng. Mr Ong was arrested and named in Iswaran's initial charge sheets but has not been charged himself.

CNA has asked CPIB if it is investigating Mr Lum. His name is not currently listed in the judiciary hearing list.

Mr Lum has been managing director of Lum Chang Holdings since Sep 1, 1985. He is also a director at a number of subsidiaries, including Lum Chang Building Contractors, Lum Chang Properties, Lum Chang Property Investments and Lum Chang Asia Pacific. 

According to Lum Chang's website, Mr Lum has more than 40 years of industry experience and "successfully led the expansion of the group’s property development activities in Singapore, Malaysia and the United Kingdom".