The People's Action Party (PAP) stated on Tuesday (Dec 6) evening that it will await the Court of Three Judges' judgement on lawyer and Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher de Souza before deciding its next steps.
Mr. de Souza, a member of parliament for the Holland-Bukit Timah Group Representation Constituency, could face disciplinary action for professional misconduct after a disciplinary tribunal appointed by the chief justice determined that he assisted his client in suppressing evidence by drafting and filing an affidavit that omitted certain information.
The Singapore Law Society (LawSoc) had filed five charges against Mr. de Souza, but the disciplinary tribunal opted for only one.
The five charges related to Mr. de Souza's conduct while representing Amber Compounding Pharmacy and Amber Laboratories in a High Court case as a partner of the legal firm Lee & Lee.
In a decision released on Monday, the tribunal determined that Mr. de Souza, who is also the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, should face disciplinary action on the fourth charge of helping his client in suppressing evidence.
PAP, the dominant political party to which Mr. de Souza belongs, stated on Tuesday evening that it is aware of the professional disciplinary procedures brought by LawSoc against the member of parliament in his role as an attorney.
"Mr. de Souza advised us that he is innocent of any misconduct. On appeal, he will fight a single charge before the Court of Three Judges ," the party's statement stated.
"Integrity, honesty and incorruptibility are crucial to the party. Each PAP member's reputation reflects on the party, and the PAP expects all members to uphold the highest standards" it said.
The Court of Three Judges is the highest disciplinary authority for the legal profession and it has the jurisdiction to fine, suspend or disbar lawyers.
Comments