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		Ho Ai Li & Theresa Tan Sat, Feb 23, 2008 The Straits Times
Monk's passport impounded
THE passport of Ren Ci Hospital's long-time chief, the Venerable Ming Yi, has been impounded by the authorities. The move comes after the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) was called in on Monday to investigate financial irregularities in the accounts of the Ren Ci Hospital and Medicare Centre. At the heart of the issue are questionable loans made by the hospital, amounting to several million dollars.

Sources told The Straits Times that the monk's passport had been held.

However, calls to his phone by The Straits Times yesterday went unanswered. Also, he was not seen last night at the Foo Hai Ch'an Monastery in Geylang East, where he is the abbot.

With his passport impounded, the monk, who reportedly travels at least once a month to fulfil overseas commitments, cannot leave the country.

He heads temples in Malaysia and Hong Kong and often attends Buddhist conferences overseas.

Lawyers interviewed said that it was not unusual for people 'deeply involved' in CAD investigations to have their passports impounded.

The Health Ministry launched a probe into Ren Ci's books last November. This week, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan told reporters that the charity had been unable to explain some of its financial transactions satisfactorily, so the CAD was called in.

Besides Ren Ci and the Foo Hai Ch'an Monastery, the Venerable Ming Yi also heads the Marine Parade Foo Hai Elderly Lodge, a day-care centre for old folk.

When contacted last night, Ren Ci chairman Chua Thian Poh said that he did not know about the impounding of the Venerable Ming Yi's passport and declined comment.

hoaili@sph.com.sg

theresat@sph.com.sg