Sadness among church leaders, families after sentencing
People, some of whom were City Harvest Church members, queuing outside the State Courts to attend the sentencing of the convicted church leaders yesterday. Photo: Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE — Even after they were told they would be spending time behind bars for their role in misusing City Harvest Church (CHC) funds, they remained composed, and some among the six even managed to smile before a packed courtroom that included church supporters, some of whom left in tears after the sentences were handed down.
While Chew Eng Han, the church’s former investment manager, said he intends to appeal, the rest said they will be considering their next course of action. But all six had applied for their sentences to be deferred, which Judicial Commissioner See Kee Oon granted, allowing them to start serving time on Jan 11.
Kong Hee, the church’s founding pastor, who was handed the stiffest sentence of eight years’ jail, declined to comment when approached by reporters.
In a Facebook post in the evening, he thanked his church members and friends for their support over the “protracted” five and a half years of investigation and trial. “Unfortunately, I must continue to face some very difficult days ahead ... naturally I am saddened by the length of it. I am presently studying the judgment and sentence carefully with my lawyers, and will make a meaningful decision whether to appeal in due course.”
Speaking on behalf of Tan Ye Peng, Kong’s deputy, senior counsel N Sreenivasan said: “This has been a long and trying case. Ye Peng says he needs to pray, reflect and discern before deciding what to do.”
After Judicial Commissioner See delivered the sentences, Mr Sreenivasan was first to make an application for Tan Ye Peng’s jail term to be deferred, saying that it is “tradition” for him to be with his children on the first day of school.
Several of the convicted — Serina Wee, John Lam, Sharon Tan and Chew — were accompanied by their spouses yesterday, while Kong’s wife Ho Yeow Sun, who had been present for the verdict delivered last month, was not seen.
Wee’s husband, Mr Kenny Low, told reporters: “We are thankful that we are able to have some time to go back and settle our families, and also think about what is ahead.”
Lam said: “We are just glad we have crossed this stage, the sentences have been passed and we know what we are in for. It is clearly a very emotional and difficult time. Immediately, we will be focusing on getting the family ready ... it’s a trying time so we just have to prepare ahead.”
A leave to appeal must be filed by 2.30pm on Dec 2.
The church’s senior leadership issued a statement on its website and Facebook page two hours after the hearing concluded, thanking the congregation for its support, and its “strength and unity” throughout the years.
“We have learnt lately what it means to have faith, trust, and rest in God — let us put what we have learned to practice,” read the statement, signed off by pastors Aries Zulkarnain and Bobby Chaw, and Ho, who is also church co-founder.
As was the case when the verdict was delivered last month, church members formed long lines to secure a seat in the courtroom yesterday, with some queuing overnight.
Church member Tommy Ng, 24, said he felt sad but accepted the decision. “Mismanagement of charity funds is a serious offence regardless of the good intentions. But the judge also pointed out that there was no evidence of personal gain and I think that is the most important thing that church members should remember,” said the undergraduate who has been attending CHC for more than 13 years.
Fellow church member Tan Kok Waa agreed that there was wrongdoing and individuals involved must take responsibility for their actions.
“As Christians, we believe you need to repent if you are wrong,” said the 78-year-old retiree in Mandarin, who nonetheless thought the sentences were harsh.
Some among the flood of commenters on the church’s and Kong’s Facebook pages yesterday felt otherwise. “So disappointed with the sentences, judge should (have imposed) stiffer penalties,” said one.
