Ex-City Harvest leader to represent himself at trial

SINGAPORE - Chew Eng Han, one of six church leaders accused of misusing millions of dollars of church funds, will represent himself when the trial resumes in July.

Senior Counsel Michael Khoo applied yesterday to be discharged as the former City Harvest church investment manager's lawyer in a short hearing in chambers yesterday.

Presiding Judge of the State Courts See Kee Oon accepted his application, reported The Straits Times Online.

Undisclosed personal reasons on Chew's part are believed to be behind the move.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Mr Khoo said his client had informed him of the decision last week, but he did not say more, citing client-solicitor privilege.

When approached, Chew confirmed that he had come to the decision recently, adding he had the "personal conviction" to represent himself.

He told Channel NewsAsia that he is aware of the challenging task ahead and is preparing his defence.

Mr Khoo from law firm Michael Khoo and Partners had represented Chew for more than a year for the trial.

This article was first published on May 29, 2014.
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