Singapore : ‘Sex-for-grades’ prof to ‘fearlessly’ defend himself

Major News of  <Today> :  ‘Sex-for-grades’ prof to ‘fearlessly’ defend himself

Updated 09:35 AM Jul 28, 2012 by Claire Huang Jingyi

SINGAPORE – Six hours before he was due to face charges in the sex-for-grades case yesterday, National University of Singapore (NUS) law professor Tey Tsun Hang drafted an email to friends and the media. “I stand by my academic principles. I have always pursued my academic writing in good faith, with no ill intent,” he wrote.

And after being charged with six corruption counts of allegedly showing favour to his former student Darinne Ko Wen Hui between May 2010 and July 2010, Tey maintained his innocence.

Tey Tsun Hang said " I shall fearlessly defend myself against the charges, and vigorously."

Addressing reporters outside the court, and flanked by his lawyer Peter Low, Tey read from a hand-written statement. “The charges and allegations against me are very serious,” said the 41-year-old.

“At stake is my liberty, integrity and livelihood. My reputation has been tarnished and my family suffers as a result.”

Tey, a former district judge, said he is “known to speak up amongst other things, on the Singapore legal system”. He reiterated that his writing was “in good faith and with no ill-intent”. “In similar vein, I shall fearlessly defend myself against the charges, and vigorously,” added Tey.

Court documents showed that Tey allegedly gave Ms Ko better grades in return for sex on two occasions. Tey also allegedly received a Mont Blanc pen worth S$740 and tailor-made shirts. Ms Ko apparently also paid one of Tey’s bills amounting to almost S$1,300.

During the mention, lawyer Subhas Anandan, who is representing Ms Ko, had wanted to apply for a gag order on his client’s information, but both the prosecution and defence objected to it.

In a statement, Mr Anandan and Mr Sunil Sudheesan said Ms Ko will appear in court to “tell her side of the story when the time comes”. “Our client strenuously denies any corrupt wrongdoing,” they added. “Our client’s concern is assisting the Court to come to a truthful and just conclusion of this matter. Our client fully believes that the truth will prevail.”

Ms Ko has since graduated from NUS and is said to be a pupil with a law firm here.

NUS has suspended Tey from active duty and initiated an investigation in light of the corruption charges. “The university takes a very serious view of breaches of its regulations,” said a spokesperson. “NUS has a Code of Conduct to which its staff must adhere. In the event of breaches, appropriate action will be taken including dismissal for serious violations of the Code of Conduct.”

Tey, who is due to teach at Hong Kong University between September and May, next year, will be back in court on Aug 3. If convicted, he could be jailed up to five years and fined a maximum of S$100,000. 

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