The People's Action Party (PAP) said on Tuesday (Dec 6) night that it will wait for the Court of Three Judges to pass its verdict on lawyer and Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher de Souza before determining its next course of action.

Mr de Souza, an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah Group Representation Constituency, faces possible disciplinary action for professional misconduct after a disciplinary tribunal appointed by the chief justice found that he had assisted his client in suppressing evidence by preparing and filing an affidavit that left out certain information.

The Law Society of Singapore (LawSoc) had pressed five charges against Mr de Souza, but the disciplinary tribunal went with one.

The five charges pertained to Mr de Souza's conduct while he was acting in his capacity as a partner of law firm Lee & Lee, representing Amber Compounding Pharmacy and Amber Laboratories in a High Court suit.

In a judgement published on Monday, the tribunal found that there was cause of sufficient gravity for disciplinary action against Mr de Souza, who is also Deputy Speaker of Parliament, for the fourth charge of assisting his client in suppressing evidence.

In its statement on Tuesday night, PAP — the ruling political party to which Mr de Souza belonged — said that it is aware of the professional disciplinary proceedings by LawSoc against the MP in his capacity as a lawyer.

"Mr de Souza has informed us that he denies any wrongdoing. He will argue his case on the one charge, on appeal before the Court of Three Judges," the party said in its statement.

"Integrity, honesty and incorruptibility are fundamental to the party. The standing of each PAP MP reflects on the party, and the party expects all MPs to uphold the highest standards," it added.

The Court of Three Judges is the highest disciplinary body for the legal profession and it has the power to fine, suspend or disbar lawyers.

Source:
courtesy of TODAY

by NAVENE ELANGOVAN

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